In a dazzling leap for space technology, Chinese scientists have managed a communications feat that vibrates the satellite internet foundations. Using a laser no stronger than a night light, a Chinese satellite has reached speeds five times faster than Starlink – while orbiting 36,000 kilometers, more than 60 times higher than the Elon Musk constellation. It is a moon moons that is redefined which is possible in the transmission of data at high altitude.
At the heart of this progression is a laser of 2 watts, capable of transmitting data to 1 Gbit / s remarkable. This eclipses the performance of Starlink, which ends at a few megabits per second while operating just 550 kilometers above the earth. The Chinese laser, although weak as a candle flame, has managed to send signals through the turbulent atmosphere of the planet – an obstacle that has long thwarted satellite communication.
The breakthrough comes from a team led by Professor Wu Jian of the University of Beijing and Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their secret weapon: Ao-MDR synergy. This technique merges the adaptive optics (AO), which corrects distortions in the laser beam, with the reception of the diversity of mode (MDR), which captures dispersed light. The combination stabilizes the laser path and ensures that the data arrive intact, even in extreme atmospheric conditions.
Until now, the use of AO or MDR independently had a limited success in a strong turbulence. But together, they form a robust enough method to maintain stable communication despite low power levels and long distances. The ability to preserve the signal clarity over 36,000 kilometers marks a turning point in laser satellite connections.
It’s not just a question of speed. The implications extend between industries. From transparent HD streaming to improve satellite navigation and real -time communication for space missions, technology has the potential to upset how data move in the world. The independence of the system compared to complex land infrastructure also makes it more adaptable and evolving.
The realization underlines the momentum of China in space innovation. It not only reports a national victory, but a world change – one that positions China as a serious competitor in the development of the next generation of satellite communications.