That week, Mr. Morse was in rehearsals exploring key moments in "Tom Durnin, " in which he plays the title character, a white-collar criminal returning to his family after time in the clink.

WSJ: Poignant Scene in 'Pippin' Turns Actor David Morse's Head

Beidou isn't believed to be as accurate as the U.S. GPS. Nonetheless, it could be used in conjunction with Yaogan remote-sensing satellites and older imaging satellites to support tactical military operations, according to a paper by Eric Hagt and Matthew Durnin published in the Journal of Strategic Studies in October.

WSJ: Beijing Launches GPS Rival