China develops star-based navigation for hypersonic weapons

Researchers at the Guangdong Aerospace Research Institute in China have reportedly developed a star-based navigation system designed for hypersonic vehicles. This technology allows weapons to maintain orientation and determine position by tracking the apparent movement of stars, providing an independent alternative when satellite signals are lost or disrupted by electronic warfare.

Developing the system required creating a massive star database and hardware prototypes capable of withstanding the extreme environments of hypersonic flight. To combat challenges such as high temperatures and intense airflow that can distort starlight, researchers utilized simulation software to predict and compensate for these environmental effects and radiation.

Initial testing indicates the system can identify star patterns with 99% accuracy under ideal conditions, maintaining approximately 80% accuracy in high-interference environments. The system is capable of determining vehicle heading with an error margin of about 5 arcseconds, a level of precision comparable to modern star trackers used in spacecraft.