From Twinstar to Galileo: China's Satellite Navigation Initiatives

摘要

Today, China is a NAVSAT power. This fact exists as a source of great national pride and achievement, despite longstanding Western political pressures and sensitivities. Although Beijing currently lacks a highly sophisticated and accurate satellite-based navigation capability in the BNTS, it has nonetheless proven that it can muster China's national talents and resources to develop, produce and control an indigenous system that yields substantial national security benefits and forms a solid foundation for future civilian and military applications, to include nascent command and control functions. In Twinstar, China also has demonstrated its commitment to foster an indigenous ability to field complex and integrated technologies as it matures its strategic supporting industries. From systems conceptualization to applied, practical experience, Beijing has sought evolutionary advances in its satellite navigation capabilities that reflect its strategic outlook and national security emphasis. These objectives serve as the foundation for the planning of the second generation of the Beidou system as well as for China's active involvement in the GJU.