9．
阅读理解
Many years ago, people
used the sun, the moon and stars to find their way around. Later, the compass(指南针)was introduced. And now, we have satellite navigation systems to
guide us.
Independently built
and developed by China, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is one of the
world's four global navigation networks. It's named after the Chinese word for
the Big Dipper(北斗七星).
Plans for China's own
system took shape in 1994 and BDS-1 was in service by 2000. Completed in 2003, BDS-1
made China the third country after the U. S. and Russia to have a satellite
navigation system, BDS-2 was completed in 2012 and offered services to the Asia
Pacific region. And BDS-3, completed in 2020, will offer services to the world.
As the first and only
system in the world that integrates (合并)
communications and navigation, the BeiDou system is widely used in many public
and private fields. It has a great influence on China's social and economic (经济的) development, as well as people' s daily lives. For example, buses
in some cities are provided with electric bus information board controlled by
BDS. It shows passengers where the bus is at the moment and how long they need
to wait. Outside of China, the BeiDou system is also drawing fans. More than
120 countries and regions in the world are using it now.
BDS belongs to the
whole world and all human beings. Without doubt, it will lead people to a
better life.
