Navigation system's historical timeline

1983－Renowned Chinese scientists, headed by Chen Fangyun, propose to build an experimental dual-satellite positioning system.

1989－The concept of the experimental system is demonstrated and verified by two Chinese communications satellites operating in orbit.

February 1994－The government approves and begins research and development into a space-based navigation and positioning system aimed at easing the country's heavy reliance on foreign networks. The system is called "Beidou", named after the Big Dipper constellation.

October 2000－China launches the first Beidou satellite. In December that year, the second Beidou satellite joins the first to establish an experimental system. In May 2003 and February 2007, another two experimental satellites join the trial run.

April 2007－Beidou's first mass-produced satellite, also the first in its second-generation series, is launched. A total of 20 second-generation satellites have been launched.

December 2012－Beidou begins providing positioning, navigation, timing and messaging services to civilian users in China and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

November 2017－The first two third-generation Beidou satellites are launched.

December 2018－Beidou begins providing basic global services.

June 23－The final satellite completing the third-generation Beidou network is launched. A total of 35 third-generation satellites have been launched.

July 31－President Xi Jinping announces the start of Beidou's full-scale global service.