China Surpasses Starlink with 100 Gbps Satellite Laser Communication, Advancing 6G and Jilin-1 Constellation

Jan 2, 2025, 04:52 AM

China has achieved a major breakthrough in satellite-to-ground laser communications, surpassing Elon Musk's Starlink. Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., the operator of the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, successfully transmitted data at an ultra-high speed of 100 gigabits per second during tests involving a truck-mounted ground station and one of the 117 satellites in the constellation. This transmission rate is 10 times faster than the company's previous record. The achievement positions China as a leader in the development of 6G technology, which promises faster speeds and lower latency than 5G. The breakthrough also has implications for ultra-high-resolution remote sensing and advanced satellite positioning technology. Chang Guang Satellite plans to equip all satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation with laser communication units, aiming to expand the network to 300 satellites by 2027. Separately, China's Spacesail Constellation, another commercial satellite project, has completed its first network connection test, demonstrating the potential for high-speed internet services for maritime vessels.