China Tests Laser Satellite Internet System

China has tested a laser based satellite internet system aimed at competing with SpaceX’s Starlink.

Read more: Pakistan Launches Satellite Internet for Digital Growth

Chinese researchers from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences demonstrated a data transmission speed of one gigabit per second using a two watt laser. Unlike Starlink, which uses lasers only for communication between satellites, China’s system sends laser signals directly from satellites to ground stations.

The researchers addressed atmospheric challenges such as rain and smog through an adaptive optical multi dimensional reconstruction method. This technique splits the laser signal into multiple channels and re-merges them on the ground, improving signal reliability from seventy two percent to over ninety one percent.

The satellites operate from an altitude of thirty six thousand kilometres above Earth. This higher orbit reduces orbital congestion and lowers the risk of space debris compared to Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites at five hundred and fifty kilometres. The higher altitude also reduces light pollution, supporting astronomical observation.

If commercialised, the laser based satellite internet system could provide an alternative approach to satellite connectivity.