A team of Chinese researchers has transmitted data at 1 Gbps from a geostationary satellite located at an altitude of 23,000 miles using a laser of just 2 watts – comparable in intensity to a candle. Credit goes to a new technology that combines adaptive optics and mode diversity reception (AO-MDR), overcoming limitations imposed by atmospheric turbulence. The result, five times faster than Starlink, promises more stable, faster and efficient satellite connections.
The project was led by Professor Wu Jian of Peking University and Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who developed an innovative approach to neutralize the effects of atmospheric instabilities. The AO-MDR technique allows the laser signal to be refined and stabilized even under critical environmental conditions, ensuring reliable communication.
According to Interesting Engineering, this milestone could revolutionize global satellite communication, with positive spin-offs for sectors such as media, telecommunications and space exploration. Experts believe that as these technologies evolve, laser systems could soon surpass traditional radio-frequency systems due to higher bandwidth, higher speed and reduced latency.
This breakthrough not only highlights the excellence of Chinese research, but also demonstrates the intensifying global competition for control of future space communication infrastructure.
