Fileion Daily
Fileion Daily

Fileion Daily

Fileion Daily is a dynamic Tech News community within Fileio...

Published by

Asif Mohammad Sovon
LMC_20230125_082329_lmc_8.4

Asif Mohammad Sovon @asif_mohammad_sovon

Meet Asif Mohammad Sovon, an IT Assistant in the Bangladesh Air Force and a tech writer for Fileion....

0 Followers 0 Following

3 min read

•

Jun 23, 2025

China’s Geostationary Satellite Achieves 5× Starlink Speed Using 2 W Laser

China’s Geostationary Satellite Achieves 5× Starlink Speed Using 2 W Laser Fileion.Com
Chinese scientists have demonstrated a breakthrough in satellite-to-ground laser communication. A secret geostationary satellite, positioned approximately 36,700 km above Earth, transmitted data at a record-breaking 1 Gbps using just a 2‑watt laser, a speed five times faster than typical Starlink connections.

Geostationary Laser Test Beats Starlink by a Wide Margin

On June 17, Chinese researchers from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced they had achieved 1 gigabit per second transmission using a candle-power laser beam, a feat accomplished despite atmospheric turbulence challenges. Starlink, by comparison, delivers only a few megabits per second to ground users from low Earth orbit.

How the Technology Works

The team combined adaptive optics (AO)—which corrects light distortions from the atmosphere—with mode diversity reception (MDR)—designed to capture scattered signals. Together, this AO‑MDR synergy delivered clear, high-speed data even from deep space. Ground tests occurred at the Lijiang Observatory using a 1.8‑meter telescope equipped with 357 micro‑mirrors to sharpen the laser beam.

Significance of the Breakthrough

  • Speed leap: Hitting 1 Gbps outperforms Starlink by 5x, despite the satellite being in geostationary orbit.
  • Distance challenge: The satellite sits more than 60 times higher than Starlink’s 550 km orbit, underscoring the technological achievement.
  • Efficiency: A mere 2-watt laser—a low-power source—was sufficient, thanks to the advanced AO‑MDR system.

Expert Comments

Professor Wu Jian of Peking University described the laser as "dim as a candle," yet pointed out it delivered fast and reliable data from deep space. Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences added that combining AO and MDR was crucial to avoid data loss and reduce errors.

How It Compares to Starlink

Starlink, operated by SpaceX in low Earth orbit, offers speeds typically between 50–150 Mbps, with occasional bursts higher. The Chinese test pushed past that range dramatically, even from 36,700 km up.

Strategic and Technological Implications

Laser downlinks from geostationary satellites offer longer-range coverage and promise more secure, high-throughput satellite internet. China’s progress puts it ahead in space communication and moves the world closer to next-generation 6G satellite internet.
This achievement also puts pressure on SpaceX. While Starlink supports laser links between satellites, it hasn’t yet rolled out high-rate laser links to ground stations.

What’s Next?

  • Scaling deployment: China plans to install similar laser systems across its Jilin‑1 satellite constellation, which comprises over 117 satellites, aiming for 300 by 2027.
  • Enhancing global connectivity: High-speed laser downlinks could support real-time remote sensing, disaster response, and broadband internet in underserved regions.
  • Accelerating 6G readiness: This technology paves the way for future standards that require ultra-fast data rates and low latency worldwide.

Final Thoughts

China’s feat shifts expectations for satellite internet. Achieving 1 Gbps from 36,700 km with such low power marks a new era in space communications. As the country rolls out more of these systems, global competition will intensify, especially with players like SpaceX and Amazon’s Kuiper eyeing similar advancements.
 
What do you think? Does China’s laser breakthrough signal a new dawn for satellite internet, and will Starlink need to up its game? Let us know in the comments!
Login to Post Comments

Comments 0

No Comments Posted

More post from Asif Mohammad Sovon

Loading...
Post Article