# Beidou IGSO 2
**Wikidata**: [Q14083911](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083911)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beidou-igso-2

## Summary
Beidou IGSO 2 is a Chinese navigation satellite and part of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). Launched on December 17, 2010, it plays a key role in providing regional positioning and timing services. It was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 3A rocket.

## Key Facts
- Part of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)
- COSPAR ID: 2010-068A
- Launch date: December 17, 2010
- Launch site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center
- Launch vehicle: Long March 3A
- Instance of: Navigation satellite
- SCN: 37256
- Wikipedia language coverage: Latvian (lv)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Beidou IGSO 2 used for?
A: Beidou IGSO 2 is used for navigation and positioning as part of China's BeiDou satellite system. It provides regional timing and location services to users within its coverage area.

### Q: When was Beidou IGSO 2 launched?
A: Beidou IGSO 2 was launched on December 17, 2010. The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Beidou IGSO 2?
A: Beidou IGSO 2 was launched using a Long March 3A carrier rocket, a commonly used Chinese orbital launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Beidou IGSO 2 contributes to the development and operational capacity of China’s indigenous global navigation satellite system, BeiDou. As part of this system, it supports national security, transportation, telecommunications, and disaster relief efforts by offering accurate positioning and time synchronization services independent of foreign systems like GPS. Its deployment reflects China's strategic push toward technological self-reliance and enhanced spatial infrastructure capabilities.

## Notable For
- Being part of China’s independently developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
- Operating in an inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO), which enhances regional coverage over East Asia
- Launched during the second phase of BeiDou development, expanding service beyond domestic borders
- Represents one of several satellites enabling BeiDou’s transition from regional to global coverage

## Body
### Mission Overview
Beidou IGSO 2 is a member of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), designed to provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing services primarily across the Asia-Pacific region.

### Technical Classification
As an Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO) satellite, Beidou IGSO 2 operates with a high inclination relative to Earth’s equator, allowing extended visibility over mid-latitude regions such as China and neighboring countries.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **December 17, 2010**, aboard a **Long March 3A** rocket from the **Xichang Satellite Launch Center**. This event marked another milestone in China's effort to expand its space-based navigation network.

### Identification and Tracking
It has been assigned:
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-068A  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 37256  

These identifiers are used globally for tracking and cataloging purposes.

### Role Within BeiDou
Beidou IGSO 2 forms part of the constellation that enables BeiDou to offer more robust signal availability and improved accuracy in areas where geostationary satellites have limited effectiveness due to geometry or terrain obstruction.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report