The TT&C system he proposed was crucial in the successful launch of China's first geosynchronous communications satellite in April 1984, and he was conferred the Special Prize of the State Science and Technology Progress Award the next year.[1] Based on Chen's pioneering work, a network of TT&C systems has since been deployed to control China's satellites and missiles.[2]: 155 He also put forward theories and proposals leading to the creation and early development of BeiDou, the Chinese satellite navigation system built as an alternative to the American Global Positioning System, and is considered a founder of BeiDou.[2]