China has achieved a significant milestone in satellite communication by successfully testing a new-generation satellite-to-ground data transmission technology. This breakthrough, spearheaded by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. (CGST), involves a 100 Gbps laser communication link between a Jilin-1 satellite and a mobile ground station, marking a tenfold increase over previous capabilities.
🚀 China’s 100 Gbps Satellite-to-Ground Laser Communication: A Game-Changer in Space Technology
🔬 The Breakthrough
In December 2024, CGST conducted a successful test of ultra-high-speed, high-resolution remote sensing image transmission using a self-developed, vehicle-mounted laser communication ground station and the laser terminal aboard the Jilin-1 Platform 02A02 satellite. The test achieved a data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps), significantly surpassing traditional microwave communication speeds.
🛰️ Technical Innovations
The success of this test is attributed to several technological advancements:
- Mobile Ground Stations: The use of vehicle-mounted ground stations allows for flexible deployment, enabling operations in optimal atmospheric conditions and reducing the impact of weather-related disruptions. Global Times
- Advanced Laser Terminals: The satellite’s laser terminal was optimized to handle high-speed data transmission, ensuring efficient communication between the satellite and ground station.
- Overcoming Atmospheric Challenges: The team addressed issues such as atmospheric channel compensation, high-precision time-frequency synchronization, Doppler frequency shift correction, and high-sensitivity demodulation to establish a stable and coherent laser communication link.
🌐 Implications and Future Plans
This advancement positions China at the forefront of satellite communication technology, with several key implications:
- Enhanced Remote Sensing: The ability to transmit high-resolution images rapidly will benefit applications in disaster monitoring, environmental protection, and urban planning.
- Expansion of Satellite Constellation: CGST plans to equip all Jilin-1 satellites with laser communication devices and expand the constellation to 300 satellites by 2027, enhancing global coverage and data acquisition capabilities.
- Development of Ground Station Network: Plans are underway to deploy multiple laser communication ground stations across China, improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.
