China launches its latest Beidou satellite

China launched a new-generation satellite into space on Monday night, starting the expansion of its indigenous navigation and positioning network to global coverage.

The satellite, the 20th for the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, was sent into orbit by the Yuanzheng-1 upper stage vehicle after being lifted by a Long March-3C carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

The launch is the first step in China's plan to turn the navigation system's current regional service into global coverage, according to a statement issued by the center.