China will launch its fifth orbiter into space, as part of its satellite navigation and positioning network known as Beidou, or Compass system, in the next few days.

An official with the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, in southwestern Sichuan Province, who is not identified, said Friday that the satellite would be launched on the Long March 3I carrier rocket in the coming days, adding that it would take place "at a proper time".

If launched successfully, the satellite will join four other satellites in orbit to form a network that will eventually consist of 35 satellites.

China started building its own satellite navigation system to end its dependence upon the US GPS system in 2000, when it sent two orbiters as a double-satellite experimental positioning system.

Beidou, as the system is called, is designed to provide navigation, time and short message services in the Asia and Pacific region in about 2010 and will be capable of providing global navigation services by 2020.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2010)