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China Achieves Record 1 Gbps Laser Transmission From 36,000 km Orbit

The breakthrough relies on a novel AO-MDR synergy technique that could reshape global satellite communications infrastructure.

Stock image: a full rotation precision radio telescope on June 05, 2024, in Russia.
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Overview

  • A Chinese satellite used a 2 W laser to transmit data at 1 Gbps from geostationary orbit, surpassing Starlink’s speed by a factor of five.
  • The demonstration, published in Acta Optica Sinica, was conducted by teams at Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences led by Professors Wu Jian and Liu Chao.
  • AO-MDR synergy merges Adaptive Optics to correct atmospheric distortions with Mode Diversity Reception to capture scattered laser light, ensuring stable high-speed links.
  • Operating from 36,000 km versus Starlink’s 550 km LEO altitude highlights China’s geostationary approach to scalable satellite data networks.
  • Independence from complex ground stations and potential uses in HD streaming, enhanced navigation, and real-time space communications underscore its industry impact.