Yesterday morning China launched its own satellite navigation service, The Beidou Navigation Satellite System, an alternative to the America Global Positioning System (GPS). The system could have serious implications both in terms of civilian and, more importantly, military application.

The orbiter launched yesterday brings the number of satellites in the Beidou system up to 10 and further bolsters China’s tracking and surveillance capabilities.  Although not believed to be as advanced as its American counterpart, it is not to be taken lightly and has made significant advances in the field thanks to constant progress over the course of several preceding years. According to a paper published in the Journal of Strategic Studies in October,

“Although China still has a long way to go before it has continuous real-time tactical coverage, even of a regional maritime environment, it now has frequent and dependable coverage of stationary targets and at least a basic ability to identify, track and target vessels at sea.”

Similar to GPS, Beidou will provide free civilian services which will be used in a variety of fields. It also holds a single trump-card over GPS as it provides support for SMS messaging.

From a military point a view the new system provides China with a reliable alternative to U.S. controlled GPS, which the latter could deny them access to at any time should they deem it necessary. This could be instrumental as tensions continue to mount in China’s surrounding waters, particularly with the US,

“Beidou could be used in conjunction with other satellites, drones and related technology to help track U.S. ships, position its own submarines and other vessels, and guide antiship ballistic missiles towards their targets, according to military experts.”

Currently GPS is more than twice as powerful as Beidou, capable of being accurate to within 10m at civilian level, but following the launch of a further six satellites in the coming year China hope to match its counterpart’s prowess.

[Source: WSJ]