- China’s Chang Guang Satellite achieves 100Gbps space-to-ground laser transmission, surpassing its previous speed by ten times.
- The technology is believed to be part of the development for 6G, aiming for ultra-fast communication capabilities.
- The Jilin-1 satellite constellation will be fully deployed by 2027, marking a significant step in satellite communication innovation.
China has announced a breakthrough in space-to-ground laser communication with Chang Guang Satellite Technology’s successful 100Gbps transmission from the Jilin-1 satellite constellation. This new speed is ten times faster than the previous record and brings China one step closer to realizing the high-speed communication expected with 6G technology.
Unlike SpaceX’s Starlink, which has shown a laser inter-satellite communication system, China claims to have already begun large-scale deployment of this technology.
China Surpasses Starlink with 100Gbps Laser Transmission, Paving Way for 6G
The high-speed transmission could revolutionize data communication, allowing for massive data transfers in seconds. The ability to transmit 10 full-length movies in just one second is a testament to the incredible potential of this system. With its focus on mobile, truck-mounted ground stations, the system is poised to facilitate faster and more flexible applications, setting the stage for future innovations in global satellite communication networks.
While there is no official confirmation that Starlink is developing 6G technology, China’s achievements suggest that it may be setting the stage for future advancements in this field. The 100Gbps transmission rate is not just about speed; it also indicates a leap toward the potential of 6G networks, which are expected to offer speeds exceeding 1Tbps and low latency for more integrated communication systems.
This achievement also highlights China’s aggressive approach to satellite technology deployment. The Jilin-1 constellation, designed for large-scale satellite communication, is set to be fully operational by 2027, giving China a considerable edge in terms of technological deployment and integration. The truck-mounted ground stations used for receiving the data also provide mobile capabilities that could transform data delivery in various applications, including military and industrial uses.
The milestone follows China’s progress in 5G and military communications, where recent developments have demonstrated its ability to create advanced mobile communication systems under challenging conditions. With laser transmission technology and military-grade 5G systems already being tested, China appears set to lead in the next-generation communications race.
With significant progress in satellite communication and 6G development, China is positioning itself as a leader in the future of high-speed, low-latency networks.
“Musk’s Starlink has revealed its laser inter-satellite communication system but hasn’t deployed laser satellite-to-ground communication yet.”
