China's hypersonic weapons can use stars for guidance if GPS fails: report

China's development of a star-based navigation system for its hypersonic weapons marks a significant advancement in autonomous guidance technology. Researchers have successfully created a system capable of functioning even when satellite navigation services like GPS or China's own BeiDou are jammed or unavailable.

The project, led by the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy, passed its final expert review on Monday. According to a report published by the academy on August 10, the core challenge was developing a celestial navigation system that could operate at the extreme speeds of hypersonic flight, defined as Mach 5 and above.

This technology draws inspiration from ancient mariners who used stars for navigation. Modern electronic systems can track the predictable movements of celestial bodies to calculate a vehicle's position and motion in space. Crucially, unlike systems reliant on ground stations or satellites, celestial navigation is entirely self-contained. This makes it immune to external electromagnetic interference, a critical advantage for weapons operating in contested electronic warfare environments.

Hypersonic weapons are a key strategic asset due to their speed and maneuverability, making them difficult to intercept. Their effectiveness, however, relies heavily on precise and autonomous navigation systems. The development of a star-guided system significantly bolsters the reliability and operational capability of these advanced weapons, enhancing China's strategic military posture.