China has made a major breakthrough in satellite internet with a new laser satellite system designed to rival SpaceX’s Starlink. Researchers from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences achieved speeds of 1 Gbps using a low-power 2-watt laser.
Unlike Starlink, which primarily uses lasers for satellite-to-satellite communication, the Chinese laser satellite beams signals directly to ground stations. This method has traditionally faced challenges from rain, smog, and atmospheric turbulence.
The team overcame these issues with a new technology called “AO-MDR synergy.” By splitting the laser into separate channels and re-merging them on the ground using custom chips, they improved signal reliability from 72% to over 91%. This allows high-speed internet even under difficult weather conditions.
The Chinese laser satellite system also offers a solution to orbital congestion. Starlink satellites orbit at roughly 550 km in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), contributing to space debris and light pollution that affects astronomy. In contrast, China’s system operates from over 36,000 km, reducing risks to both satellites and scientific observation.
If commercialized, these high-orbit, laser-based satellites could provide faster and more efficient internet. They also present an astronomy-friendly alternative to the thousands of radio-based satellites currently populating LEO.
Experts note that laser communication is becoming a key technology in global satellite internet competition. NASA and Japan are also testing similar systems, highlighting the strategic importance of laser satellites in the coming years.
China’s advancement shows its commitment to leading in next-generation space technologies. The combination of high speed, low power usage, and orbital safety makes the laser satellite system a potentially transformative solution for global connectivity.
This development could mark a significant shift in the satellite internet landscape, challenging existing networks and offering faster, more reliable access to remote regions while minimizing environmental and orbital risks.
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