China has set a significant milestone in satellite technology, achieving a record-breaking 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) transmission speed between space and Earth using laser communication technology. This breakthrough, accomplished by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., positions China at the forefront of satellite data transmission and highlights its ambitions to dominate the next frontier of space communications, including 6G applications.

Revolutionizing Satellite Data Transmission

At the core of this innovation is the Jilin-1 constellation, the world’s largest sub-meter commercial remote sensing satellite constellation, operated by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. With 117 satellites in orbit, the company successfully tested ultra-high-speed image data transmission last December. According to reports, the record-breaking speed of 100 Gbps is ten times faster than the company’s previous achievement. For perspective, this speed allows for the transfer of 100 full-length feature films from space to Earth in just one second.

The laser communication system, tested between a satellite and a truck-mounted ground station, addresses a critical bottleneck in satellite technology. As increasingly advanced sensors and cameras generate massive volumes of observational data in space, traditional transmission methods are unable to process and deliver this data quickly enough. Chang Guang’s laser-based solution represents a significant leap in overcoming these challenges.

Applications and Implications of Laser Technology

This breakthrough has broad implications for both civilian and military use. The technology is expected to enhance capabilities in areas such as:

  • Disaster monitoring: Rapid data transmission can provide critical information during natural disasters.
  • Smart cities and environmental protection: High-resolution remote sensing data can be used to optimize urban planning and monitor ecosystems.
  • Emergency response: Reliable data transmission in real time can improve first responder coordination.
  • 6G satellite internet: The ability to transmit large amounts of data via laser lays the groundwork for the deployment of next-generation communication systems.

By 2027, Chang Guang plans to expand its satellite constellation to 300 satellites, equipping all with this advanced laser communication technology. The system offers not only increased efficiency but also cost-effectiveness, marking a transformative step in the deployment and operation of China’s satellite infrastructure.

Outpacing Starlink and Global Competitors

This development places Chang Guang ahead of Elon Musk’s Starlink in the race for laser-based satellite-to-ground communication. While Starlink has successfully implemented inter-satellite laser communication, it has not yet achieved the capability for laser-based satellite-to-ground communication at scale.

Wang Hanghang, Chang Guang’s head of ground stations, emphasized this competitive edge, stating, “We believe [Starlink] might have the technology, but we have already started large-scale installations.”

Globally, other entities such as NASA, MIT, and France are also researching high-speed satellite data transmission. NASA’s TeraByte Infrared Delivery System (TBIRD) has demonstrated speeds of 200 Gbps in tests. However, Chang Guang is the first commercial company to achieve such speeds using lasers and implement the technology on a large scale.

Dual-Use Technology and Strategic Concerns

As with most satellite technologies, this innovation has dual-use applications, serving both civilian and military purposes. Chang Guang’s close ties to the Chinese military have drawn international scrutiny. In June 2024, the company was sanctioned by the European Union for allegedly providing satellite imagery to the Russian mercenary group Wagner.

Despite these controversies, the strategic significance of this advancement is undeniable. The new laser communication system enhances the reliability and stability of data transmission, even under challenging atmospheric conditions, through the use of mobile ground stations.

The Race for Space Dominance

This milestone signals China’s growing leadership in the space race, particularly in satellite communication. While NASA and other international organizations continue to push boundaries in research, Chang Guang’s achievements demonstrate China’s ability to rapidly commercialize and deploy cutting-edge technology.

As the demand for high-speed data transmission grows, the implications of this breakthrough will likely shape the future of satellite infrastructure, navigation, remote sensing, and mobile communication. For now, China has taken a decisive lead, marking another point in the ongoing global race for space dominance.

References

  • Bork, Henrik. “China Beats Starlink to Hi-Res Space-Ground Laser Transmission at 6G Standard.” Lianhe Zaobao, January 2025.
  • South China Morning Post, “China Achieves 100 Gbps Laser Transmission.” December 2024.
  • Vogel Communications Group, “China Market Insider: Innovations in Satellite Technology.”