China Beats Starklink With 10X Faster 100 Gbps Space-Ground Laser Transmission

China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its quest to dominate satellite-to-ground laser communication. Recently, the nation advanced its satellite-to-ground laser communication technology, achieving a data transmission rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps)—10 times faster than its previous best. This achievement places China ahead of Elon Musk’s Starlink in this specific domain.

The breakthrough was accomplished using the Jilin-1 satellite constellation, developed by Chang Guang Satellite Technology, the primary force behind the project. Jilin-1 is the world’s largest sub-meter commercial remote sensing satellite network. The data transmission was carried out between one of the 117 Jilin-1 satellites orbiting Earth and a mobile, truck-mounted ground station.

“Starlink, launched by Musk, has demonstrated inter-satellite laser communication but has not yet implemented satellite-to-ground laser systems,” said Wang Hanghang, an expert in laser communication ground station technology at Chang Guang. “We’re already rolling ours out on a large scale.”

By 2027, these laser units are expected to be deployed across more than 300 satellites in the Jilin-1 constellation, solidifying China’s lead in this cutting-edge technology.

Satellite data is traditionally transmitted back to Earth via conventional methods, but these methods are increasingly becoming bottlenecks. Laser communication offers a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective alternative. Since 2020, Chang Guang Satellite Technology has been developing compact laser terminals—small, backpack-sized devices that enable inter-satellite and space-to-ground data transmission. In June 2023, the latest iteration of these terminals was launched aboard the Jilin-1 02A02 satellite, offering improved reliability and mobility to mitigate weather-related disruptions.

The team successfully overcame significant challenges, including atmospheric interference and the rapid movement of satellites, to achieve this remarkable breakthrough. China has demonstrated its growing prowess in space technology, achieving a transmission rate of 100 Gbps—the equivalent of sending 10 full-length movies every second.

This advancement will enhance navigation, 6G internet capabilities, and remote sensing applications. China’s progress highlights the intensifying global space race, as countries like the United States and France pursue similar advancements in satellite communication technology.