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.

—Yes, it is. And now you (grow) into a young man.

Is this the museum   yesterday?

The eggs   this morning were not fresh.

Mr Ken prefers the cheese   the farm.