# Beidou M4

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**Wikidata**: [Q4230015](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4230015)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beidou-m4

## Summary
Beidou M4 is a navigation satellite launched by China as part of the BeiDou satellite navigation system. It was launched on April 29, 2012, using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite is classified as a navigation satellite and is part of the BeiDou constellation.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Navigation satellite
- **Part of**: BeiDou satellite navigation system
- **Country of origin**: People's Republic of China
- **Launch date**: April 29, 2012
- **Launch vehicle**: Long March 3B
- **Launch site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-018B
- **Aliases**: Compass-M4, BEIDOU M4
- **Wikipedia availability**: Available in Latvian and Russian

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Beidou M4 satellite used for?
A: The Beidou M4 satellite is part of China's BeiDou satellite navigation system, designed to provide positioning, navigation, and timing services.

### Q: When was the Beidou M4 satellite launched?
A: The Beidou M4 satellite was launched on April 29, 2012, using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of the Beidou M4 satellite?
A: The COSPAR ID of the Beidou M4 satellite is 2012-018B.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch the Beidou M4 satellite?
A: The Beidou M4 satellite was launched using a Long March 3B rocket.

### Q: What are the aliases of the Beidou M4 satellite?
A: The Beidou M4 satellite is also known as Compass-M4 and BEIDOU M4.

## Why It Matters
The Beidou M4 satellite is a significant component of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which aims to provide global positioning, navigation, and timing services. As part of the BeiDou constellation, the M4 satellite contributes to the system's growing capabilities, enhancing its accuracy and coverage. The launch of the Beidou M4 satellite marked a step forward in China's efforts to develop an independent satellite navigation system, competing with global systems like GPS. The satellite's successful deployment and integration into the BeiDou network demonstrate China's advancements in space technology and its commitment to improving global navigation services.

## Notable For
- **Part of the BeiDou constellation**: The Beidou M4 satellite is a key element in China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, contributing to its global coverage.
- **Long March 3B launch**: The satellite was launched using the Long March 3B rocket, a reliable Chinese orbital carrier rocket.
- **Xichang Satellite Launch Center**: The launch site, Xichang Satellite Launch Center, is a major facility for China's space missions.
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID (2012-018B) is a unique identifier in the international space community.
- **Multilingual Wikipedia presence**: The Beidou M4 satellite has Wikipedia entries in Latvian and Russian, indicating its global interest and recognition.

## Body
### Classification
The Beidou M4 satellite is classified as a navigation satellite, designed to support the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). It is part of the BeiDou constellation, which includes multiple satellites working together to provide global positioning, navigation, and timing services.

### Launch Details
The Beidou M4 satellite was launched on April 29, 2012, using a Long March 3B rocket. The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, a significant facility for China's space missions. The Long March 3B rocket is a reliable Chinese orbital carrier rocket used for various space missions.

### Identification
The Beidou M4 satellite is identified by its COSPAR ID, which is 2012-018B. This ID is used in the international space community to track and identify satellites. The satellite is also known by other names, including Compass-M4 and BEIDOU M4.

### Wikipedia Availability
The Beidou M4 satellite has Wikipedia entries in Latvian and Russian, indicating its global interest and recognition. The availability of Wikipedia entries in multiple languages highlights the satellite's significance and the international attention it has received.

### Significance
The Beidou M4 satellite is a notable component of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, which aims to provide global positioning, navigation, and timing services. The satellite's successful deployment and integration into the BeiDou network demonstrate China's advancements in space technology and its commitment to improving global navigation services.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report