China has achieved a significant milestone in satellite-to-ground laser communications, positioning itself ahead of Elon Musk's Starlink. This breakthrough, announced by Chang Guang Satellite Technology during recent testing, paves the way for advancements in 6G technology and other satellite-based applications.
The company reported an impressive transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second, ten times faster than its previous record. The test involved sending remote sensing images from a Jilin-1 satellite to a mobile ground station mounted on a truck, showcasing the potential for rapid data transmission.
Wang Xingxing, the technical director of laser communication at CGST, emphasized that this data rate significantly outpaces traditional radio-frequency links, which have been the standard for satellite communication. The Jilin constellation, consisting of 117 satellites, is now a frontrunner in the satellite communication race, while Starlink lags behind in deploying similar laser satellite-to-ground communication systems.
CGST plans to enhance the efficiency of its satellite network by deploying laser communication units across all Jilin-1 satellites, with a goal of networking 300 satellites by 2027. This advancement is expected to bolster China's satellite infrastructure, supporting navigation, 6G internet, and remote sensing applications.
Unlike previous laser transmission systems developed by institutions like MIT and NASA, which are confined to fixed locations, CGST's transportable ground station can be deployed anywhere, mitigating challenges posed by adverse weather conditions. Despite the higher costs associated with these upgrades, the benefits are seen as crucial for the future of 6G technology.
As CGST continues to innovate, the company is poised to maintain its lead in the evolving landscape of satellite communication.