By In a significant advancement, China has achieved a 100 gigabit per second (Gbps) data transmission rate in satellite-to-ground laser communications, surpassing previous records and outpacing Elon Musk’s Starlink network. This breakthrough was accomplished by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., the operator of the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, which is the world’s largest sub-meter commercial remote sensing satellite network. The achievement was reported on January 2, 2025, and marks a tenfold increase over their previous speed record.
The successful transmission was conducted between a truck-mounted ground station and one of the 117 satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation. This development positions China ahead of Starlink in the realm of satellite-to-ground communication, as Starlink has yet to deploy laser satellite-to-ground communication systems, focusing primarily on inter-satellite communications. Chang Guang Satellite plans to equip all satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation with laser communication units, aiming to network 300 satellites by 2027.
This achievement is a significant step toward the realization of 6G technology and has potential applications in ultra-high-resolution remote sensing and advanced satellite positioning systems. The high-speed data transmission capability could revolutionize various industries by enabling faster and more efficient data processing and communication.
In addition to this technological milestone, China has been actively expanding its satellite internet infrastructure. In August 2024, the country launched the first batch of 18 satellites for the “Qianfan” megaconstellation project, aiming to deploy over 15,000 satellites to provide global internet coverage. This initiative is seen as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink network, which has been operational since 2019.
These developments underscore China’s commitment to advancing its space technology and infrastructure, positioning itself as a formidable player in the global satellite communication arena. The rapid progress in satellite communication technologies could have far-reaching implications for global connectivity, data transmission speeds, and the future of internet services worldwide.
