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China has made a huge breakthrough in satellite communication, claiming to be ahead of Elon Musk’s Starlink. According to the South China Morning Post, this new laser communication technology could lay the foundation for future innovations like 6G networks, advanced satellite positioning, and ultra-high-resolution remote sensing.
China’s Super-Fast Laser Communication System
Chang Guang Satellite Technology, the company behind the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, has successfully transmitted data at an incredible 100 gigabits per second (Gbps). This speed is 1,000 times faster than the average 5G download speed in the UK, which is around 100 Megabits per second (Mb/s).
The test was conducted between a mobile ground station on a truck and one of the 117 satellites orbiting Earth, proving how efficient and flexible this laser system is.
How China Pulled Ahead of Starlink
Wang Hanghang, the lead expert on laser communication ground station technology at Chang Guang Satellite, stated, “Musk’s Starlink network utilizes laser links between satellites but has yet to implement laser-based satellite-to-ground communication. We have already begun widespread deployment of this technology.”
By 2027, China plans to expand the Jilin-1 constellation to 300 satellites, each equipped with laser communication technology. The company has also developed a compact laser communication terminal, about the size of a backpack, which can transmit data both between satellites and to the ground. This device was launched on a satellite in June 2023.
Mobile and Weather-Resistant Ground Stations
Unlike traditional ground stations, China’s laser communication setup is highly flexible. The ground stations are mounted on vehicles, meaning they can be moved to avoid bad weather and signal interference. To further boost efficiency, multiple receiving stations will be built across China to process data more effectively.
Why Laser Communication is a Big Deal
This breakthrough is a game-changer for space technology. Instead of using radio waves like current communication systems, laser communication uses invisible light signals, allowing for much faster and more efficient data transmission.
NASA has also been exploring this technology. In 2022, MIT achieved a 100Gbps laser transmission, and in 2023, NASA’s TBIRD system hit 200Gbps. NASA primarily uses radio waves for space missions, but laser communication is emerging as the future of deep-space missions, including Moon and Mars explorations.
China’s Race to Lead in Laser Communication
China has been steadily improving its laser technology. Before this breakthrough, Chinese researchers had already hit 10Gbps in October 2023, leading up to the new 100Gbps record. This speed is equivalent to sending ten full-length movies in just one second!
Despite challenges like atmospheric interference, tracking moving satellites, and ensuring precise laser alignment, China has pushed through, making this system a reality.
The Global Space Race Just Got Hotter
This latest achievement strengthens China’s position in the race for advanced space communication. While Starlink has focused on inter-satellite laser connections, China’s ability to deploy satellite-to-ground laser communication at scale is a major milestone.
With plans to launch 300 laser-equipped satellites by 2027, China aims to make satellite internet faster, more reliable, and more widely available. This could mark the beginning of an era where laser communication replaces traditional radio signals in satellite networks.
What This Means for the Future
China’s rapid progress in laser communication could lead to major improvements in:
- Faster global internet access, even in remote areas.
- Advancements in 6G networks for better connectivity.
- More secure and efficient military communication.
- Improved satellite navigation and positioning.
