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## Overview A star-based navigation system for Chinese hypersonic weapons, developed by the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy, passed its final expert review, according to a report the academy published on August 10 (SCMP, August 12/via report date). The system is designed to allow hypersonic weapons to maintain accurate guidance at speeds of Mach 5 and above even when GPS or China's own BeiDou satellite navigation systems are jammed or fail (SCMP). ## Significance The development addresses a key vulnerability in hypersonic weapons systems: reliance on satellite navigation that can be disrupted by electronic warfare. A functioning celestial/stellar navigation backup would make Chinese hypersonic missiles more resilient in contested electromagnetic environments, a capability with direct implications for military planners assessing the credibility of anti-access/area-denial strategies in a potential conflict, including over Taiwan or in the South China Sea. ## Key Details - Led by the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy (SCMP, report dated August 10). - Targets guidance at extreme hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+) (SCMP). - Passed a "final expert review," suggesting the technology is moving toward operational deployment or further testing (SCMP). ## Why It Matters This fits into the broader narrative of Chinese military modernization and efforts to reduce dependence on vulnerable satellite infrastructure — a parallel to Western militaries' own pursuit of GPS-denial-resistant navigation (e.g., inertial and celestial backup systems). It also reinforces concerns among US and allied defense planners about the maturity of China's hypersonic weapons program relative to US capabilities. ## Watch For - Follow-up reporting on deployment timelines or specific missile systems incorporating this technology. - Comparisons to US, Russian, or other nations' hypersonic guidance backup systems. - Potential export or technology-sharing implications with allies such as Russia or North Korea.