The BeiDou-3 series is the third generation of BeiDou navigation satellites. The first series began launching in 2000; the first BeiDou-3 satellite launched on 30 March 2015.

The BeiDou navigation constellation provides alternatives to the U.S.'s GPS, Russia's GLONASS, and Europe's Galileo navigation systems.

The BeiDou-3 constellation will boast global coverage for China, will be comprised of 35 satellites, and will carry 10 meter (33 feet) public accuracy and 10 cenitmeter (3.9 inches) military accuracy.

The BeiDou-3 constellation is expected to enter service in 2020.

This is the Chang Zheng 3B/E rocket.

It is an upgraded version of the retired Chang Zheng 3 and sports a longer first stage and longer boosters that allow it to carry heavier satellites into space.

Despite its success and capability, it uses highly toxic propellants for its first two stages and boosters: hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. Exposure to these fuels before launch and as the boosters and stages fall back to Earth near (and sometimes on) populated and un-evacuated villages can lead to severe health issues.

The rocket is being replaced with newer Chang Zheng rockets that use more standard, non-toxic fuels like liquid hydrogen, liquid methane, and liquid oxygen.

In recent years, the LM-3B/E launch vehicle is developed to increase the GTO capacity up to 5,500kg. LM-3B/E has nearly the same configurations with LM-3B except its enlarged core stage and boosters.

Photo credit: CASC

The space center was built in the early 1980s and takes its name from the closest city, Xichang in Sichuan Province, the People's Republic of China.

It is used to launch international scientific and commercial missions as well as satellites for the military.

The site is landlocked, so launches have to take place over land and populated areas.

This creates a potential danger to people living in the path of falling rocket stages and boosters that are discarded during launch.

Photo credit: CGTN