China Beats Starlink with Record-Breaking 100Gbps Space-Ground Laser Transmission

In a groundbreaking development, China has achieved a 100Gbps data transmission speed via satellite-to-ground laser communication, marking a significant leap in the race toward 6G technology. This milestone was accomplished by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., owner of the Jilin-1 constellation, the world’s largest commercial remote sensing satellite network with sub-metre resolution.

A New Era of Satellite Communication

The historic feat, achieved last weekend, involved a truck-mounted ground station and one of Jilin-1’s 117 satellites. The 100Gbps speed is 10 times faster than the company’s previous record, solidifying China’s lead in the development of ultra-high-speed satellite communication.

According to Wang Hanghang, head of laser communication ground station technology at Chang Guang Satellite, this advancement places the company ahead of competitors like Elon Musk’s Starlink. “Musk’s Starlink has unveiled its inter-satellite laser communication system but hasn’t yet deployed laser satellite-to-ground communication,” Wang stated. “We think they might have the technology, but we’ve already started large-scale deployment.”

Applications and Implications

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond just data speeds. The 100Gbps transmission rate opens the door to:

• Next-Generation Satellite Positioning: Enhanced accuracy and reliability for global navigation systems.
• Ultra-High-Resolution Remote Sensing: Improved data quality for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.
• 6G Technology Development: Establishing the groundwork for the next wave of wireless communication technologies.

The company plans to integrate laser communication units across all Jilin-1 satellites, with an ambitious goal to expand the constellation to 300 satellites by 2027. This expansion will not only enhance the network’s efficiency but also set a new standard for satellite communication worldwide.

China’s Competitive Edge

While Starlink has garnered global attention for its satellite internet service, China’s latest achievement shifts the spotlight. By prioritizing satellite-to-ground laser communication, Chang Guang Satellite has demonstrated a practical and scalable solution that outpaces existing systems in speed and efficiency.

Experts view this development as a pivotal moment in the broader competition between global space tech companies. With the integration of laser communication into Jilin-1’s satellites, China has firmly positioned itself as a leader in next-generation satellite communication technology.

Looking Ahead

As the global demand for high-speed communication and data services continues to grow, innovations like these will play a critical role in shaping the future. By achieving this record-breaking 100Gbps transmission rate, Chang Guang Satellite has not only set a new benchmark but also paved the way for applications that were once considered science fiction.