Chinese company deploys satellite-to-ground laser communications, outperforming Starlink
A Chinese company has outperformed Starlink by implementing satellite-to-ground laser communication technology, potentially paving the way for 6G, ultra-high-resolution remote sensing, and advanced satellite positioning systems, Anadolu Agency reported citing local media.
Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., recognized as the nation’s first remote-sensing satellite manufacturer and operator of the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, successfully achieved a data transmission speed of 100 Gbps during tests conducted last week, as reported by the South China Morning Post. This new milestone is ten times faster than the previous record and involved data transfer between a truck-mounted ground station and one of the 117 satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation.
Wang Hanghang, the company’s chief of the laser communication ground station, stated that this advancement positions Chang Guang Satellite ahead of Starlink, the space venture owned by Elon Musk.
The company plans to equip all satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation with laser communication units to boost their efficiency, with a target of establishing a network of 300 satellites by 2027. Wang further emphasized, “Our goal is to deploy these laser communication units across all satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation to enhance their operational efficiency.”
The forthcoming generation of wireless technology, known as 6G, is expected to surpass 5G significantly, achieving speeds exceeding one terabit per second and ultra-low latency of just 100 microseconds. It aims to provide global coverage by integrating terrestrial, aerial, and space networks, utilizing higher frequency waves, particularly in the terahertz range.
