China has made a significant technological leap by achieving a groundbreaking satellite-to-ground laser communication feat, marking a pivotal step in the development of 6G technology. Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., the operator of Jilin-1—the world’s largest sub-metre commercial remote sensing satellite constellation—announced that it had reached an ultra-high-speed image data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second during recent testing.
The breakthrough represents a tenfold improvement over the company’s previous record. The achievement was demonstrated using a truck-mounted ground station communicating with one of the 117 satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation. This advancement underscores China’s growing capabilities in space-based communication technologies.
Wang Hanghang, head of laser communication ground station technology at Chang Guang Satellite, highlighted the strategic significance of this development. “Musk’s Starlink has revealed its laser inter-satellite communication system but hasn’t deployed laser satellite-to-ground communication yet,” Wang stated. “We think they might have the technology, but we’ve already started large-scale deployment.”
The company has ambitious plans to enhance the efficiency of its satellite constellation by equipping all Jilin-1 satellites with laser communication units. By 2027, Chang Guang Satellite aims to expand the constellation to 300 satellites, enabling seamless high-speed data networking and transmission.
This achievement positions Chang Guang Satellite ahead in the global race to innovate laser-based communication systems. The ability to transmit data at unprecedented speeds from satellite to ground stations is expected to revolutionize remote sensing, data transfer, and future 6G applications. Experts view this development as a potential game-changer, offering enhanced bandwidth and reduced latency for next-generation networks.
China’s focus on advancing its satellite communication infrastructure aligns with its broader goals of technological self-reliance and leadership in emerging technologies. As the world’s demand for faster, more reliable communication systems grows, this milestone cements China’s status as a frontrunner in the space and telecommunications sectors.
Key Points of the Article:
- Breakthrough in Laser Communication:
- China achieved a milestone in satellite-to-ground laser communication, with a data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second.
- This speed is ten times faster than the previous record held by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co.
- Technological Demonstration:
- The test involved a truck-mounted ground station communicating with one of the 117 satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation, the world\u2019s largest sub-metre commercial remote sensing satellite constellation.
- Comparison with Starlink:
- Chang Guang Satellite\u2019s achievement surpasses Elon Musk\u2019s Starlink, which has developed laser inter-satellite communication but has yet to deploy laser satellite-to-ground systems.
- The company has already begun large-scale deployment of the technology.
- Future Plans:
- Chang Guang Satellite aims to equip all satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation with laser communication units.
- The company plans to expand the constellation to 300 satellites by 2027 to improve efficiency and enable advanced networking.
- 6G and Beyond:
- The breakthrough is seen as a significant step toward realizing 6G technology.
- Experts anticipate revolutionary advancements in remote sensing, data transfer, and communication systems due to this innovation.
- Global Implications:
- The development positions China as a leader in satellite communication technology.
- It aligns with China\u2019s goals of achieving technological self-reliance and dominance in emerging technologies.
