BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
The official English name of the system is BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. It is named after the Big Dipper constellation, which is known in Chinese as Beidou. The name literally means "Northern Dipper", the name given by ancient Chinese astronomers to the seven brightest stars of the Ursa Major constellation. Historically, this set of stars was used in navigation to locate the North Star Polaris. As such, the name BeiDou also serves as a metaphor for the purpose of the satellite navigation system.
What is the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System named after?
the Big Dipper constellation
It is named after the Big Dipper constellation, which is known in Chinese as Beidou.
BeiDou Navigation Satellite System