# Beidou-2 M1

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497085](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497085)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beidou-2-m1

## Summary

Beidou-2 M1 (also known as Beidou M1) is an artificial satellite launched by China on April 13, 2007, as part of the Beidou navigation satellite system. It carries the COSPAR identifier 2007-011A and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 31115. As an artificial satellite, it represents a human-made object placed into orbit around a celestial body to perform specific functions.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name**: Beidou-2 M1
- **Also Known As**: Beidou M1
- **COSPAR ID**: 2007-011A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 31115
- **Launch Date**: April 13, 2007
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite (subclass of spacecraft)
- **Wikidata Description**: Satellite
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "31115"]

## FAQs

### Q: What type of satellite is Beidou-2 M1?

A: Beidou-2 M1 is an artificial satellite—a human-made object engineered to operate in space and orbit a celestial body, in this case, Earth.

### Q: When was Beidou-2 M1 launched?

A: Beidou-2 M1 was launched on April 13, 2007, carrying the COSPAR identifier 2007-011A.

### Q: How is Beidou-2 M1 identified in satellite catalogs?

A: Beidou-2 M1 is identified by multiple cataloging systems: its COSPAR ID is 2007-011A, its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 31115, and it is associated with Wikidata entity Q4203972.

### Q: What is the relationship between Beidou-2 M1 and the broader category of artificial satellites?

A: Beidou-2 M1 is a specific instance of the general category of artificial satellites, which are human-made objects placed into orbit around celestial bodies for various purposes including navigation, communication, and scientific research.

### Q: What distinguishes artificial satellites from other spacecraft?

A: Artificial satellites are a specific type of spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body, while the broader spacecraft category includes satellites, probes, and crewed vehicles that may travel through space without maintaining orbit.

## Why It Matters

Beidou-2 M1 represents China's initial entry into independent satellite navigation capability. As part of the Beidou-2 (Compass) system, it contributed to China's goal of establishing autonomous global navigation satellite services, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS. The launch in 2007 marked a significant milestone in China's space program and the global expansion of satellite navigation infrastructure. Artificial satellites like Beidou-2 M1 have fundamentally transformed modern infrastructure by enabling real-time positioning, timing, and navigation services that underpin transportation, telecommunications, financial transactions, and emergency response systems worldwide. The proliferation of navigation satellites has created a globally connected positioning ecosystem that serves billions of users daily.

## Notable For

- **Part of China's first generation independent navigation satellite system**: Beidou-2 M1 was among the early satellites in China's Beidou navigation constellation, representing the nation's move toward technological independence in satellite navigation.
- **Early 2000s navigation satellite deployment**: Launched in 2007, it contributed to the second generation of the Beidou system during a period of rapid expansion in global navigation satellite infrastructure.
- **Cataloged in major space object databases**: The satellite is tracked by multiple international cataloging systems including COSPAR and the U.S. Satellite Catalog, ensuring proper orbital tracking and space situational awareness.

## Body

### Identification and Cataloging

Beidou-2 M1 is identified through multiple international cataloging systems. Its COSPAR identifier 2007-011A places it as the first object (A) launched in the 11th orbital launch of 2007. The Satellite Catalog Number 31115, maintained by the U.S. Space Force, provides a unique tracking identifier used by space surveillance organizations worldwide. This dual identification system ensures the satellite can be tracked and monitored by international space situational awareness networks.

### Launch Details

The satellite was launched on April 13, 2007, representing China's continued development of its Beidou navigation satellite system. This launch occurred during a period of significant expansion in global navigation satellite systems, with multiple nations investing in independent positioning capabilities.

### Classification as Artificial Satellite

Beidou-2 M1 falls under the classification of artificial satellites—human-made objects specifically engineered to orbit celestial bodies. Unlike natural satellites such as Earth's Moon, artificial satellites are purposefully designed and launched to fulfill specific functions. The broader category of artificial satellites encompasses various types including communication satellites, navigation satellites like Beidou-2 M1, Earth observation satellites, scientific research satellites, and military applications. Each type serves distinct purposes while sharing the fundamental characteristic of being human-made objects maintained in orbital trajectories through precise engineering.

### Orbital Context

Artificial satellites maintain their orbits through a delicate balance of gravitational attraction and forward velocity. The gravitational pull of Earth continuously accelerates the satellite toward the planet, while the satellite's horizontal velocity creates centrifugal force that counteracts this pull. This equilibrium allows satellites to remain in orbit without continuous propulsion. Navigation satellites like Beidou-2 M1 typically operate in specific orbital configurations optimized for global coverage and positioning accuracy.

### Historical Context Within Artificial Satellite Development

The launch of Beidou-2 M1 in 2007 occurred sixty years after Sputnik 1 inaugurated the space age in 1957. By 2007, artificial satellite technology had evolved significantly from the simple spherical Sputnik 1 to sophisticated navigation platforms capable of providing centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The Beidou system represented China's contribution to the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that include GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), and Galileo (European Union).

### Relationship to Spacecraft Category

As an artificial satellite, Beidou-2 M1 represents a specific subclass within the broader spacecraft category. Spacecraft encompasses all human-made vehicles designed to travel through space, including satellites, space probes, crewed vehicles, and cargo transports. Artificial satellites are distinguished by their orbital nature—they are designed to continuously orbit a celestial body rather than transit through space to reach other destinations. This classification system helps organize the diverse array of human-made objects operating in the space environment.

### Technical Specifications and Tracking

The satellite is associated with Wikidata entity Q4203972 and carries the Wolfram Language entity code Entity["Satellite", "31115"], enabling computational access to its basic parameters. These digital cataloging systems allow researchers, analysts, and automated systems to reference and retrieve information about the satellite across different platforms and applications.

### Role in Global Navigation Infrastructure

Navigation satellites like Beidou-2 M1 form the backbone of modern positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. These satellites transmit precise timing signals that ground-based receivers use to calculate their position through trilateration. The availability of multiple navigation satellite constellations enhances accuracy, provides redundancy, and ensures service continuity for users worldwide. By contributing to the Beidou constellation, Beidou-2 M1 supports billions of devices and applications that depend on precise positioning and timing information.

## References

1. CelesTrak