China has reached a new milestone in satellite communication technology, setting the stage for the development of 6G networks. Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., the operator of the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, announced that it achieved an ultra-high-speed image data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) during a recent test.

This groundbreaking achievement, ten times faster than the company’s previous record, was accomplished using a truck-mounted ground station communicating with one of the 117 satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation, the world’s largest sub-metre commercial remote sensing satellite system.

Leading the Laser Communication Race

Wang Hanghang, head of laser communication ground station technology at Chang Guang Satellite, highlighted the significance of this development. According to Wang, the company’s advancements in laser satellite-to-ground communication place it ahead of Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has yet to deploy this technology on a large scale.

“Musk’s Starlink has demonstrated its laser inter-satellite communication system but hasn’t implemented laser satellite-to-ground communication yet. We believe they might possess the technology, but we’ve already begun large-scale deployment,” Wang said.

Enhanced Satellite Efficiency and Future Plans

Chang Guang Satellite aims to integrate laser communication units across all satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation, significantly boosting their efficiency. The company plans to expand its network to include 300 satellites by 2027, further solidifying its leadership in satellite communication technology.

Implications for 6G Development

This breakthrough has profound implications for the development of 6G technology, as laser communication offers unparalleled data transmission speeds and efficiency. The ability to achieve high-speed, stable connections between satellites and ground stations is a critical component for the next generation of global communication networks.

Global Impact

China’s advancements in laser communication are not just a technological feat but also a strategic move in the competitive landscape of space-based communication. By taking the lead in this critical area, China positions itself as a key player in the race to develop 6G and other future communication technologies.

Conclusion

As Chang Guang Satellite continues to deploy its advanced laser communication systems, the potential for revolutionizing global communication networks grows exponentially. This achievement underscores China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and its readiness to lead the 6G era.