‘Lighthouses in space’: Chinese jam‑proof satellite network

Chinese scientists have developed a new satellite navigation system designed to work even when traditional GPS signals are unavailable or disrupted. The system uses a network of 11 satellites that act like “lighthouses in space,” guiding users with beams of coded light instead of radio signals.  

Unlike GPS or China’s BeiDou system, which rely on radio waves that can be jammed or interfered with, this new approach uses optical signals. Each satellite emits a focused beam of light carrying encoded information, which receivers on Earth can detect and use—along with the satellites’ known positions—to calculate precise location data.  

Because light travels in straight, narrow beams, it is far more difficult to disrupt than radio signals. This makes the system especially useful in environments where electronic interference is common, such as military operations or conflict zones.  

The technology is also expected to improve navigation accuracy compared to existing alternatives like star-based systems, which rely on faint celestial objects and offer limited precision.  

Researchers say the system could support a wide range of applications, including drones, self-driving vehicles, and even deep-space missions. By providing a reliable backup—or complement—to GPS, it could help fill critical gaps in global navigation infrastructure.  

Overall, the project reflects a broader push to develop more resilient and precise positioning technologies, especially in situations where traditional satellite navigation systems fall short.