In a major step forward for space-based communication, a Chinese satellite in geostationary orbit at 36000 km above Earth has successfully transmitted data at 1 Gbps using only a 2-watt laser. This speed is nearly five times faster than what is currently offered by Starlink, which operates from a much lower orbit of around 550 km.
The success of this transmission is credited to a technology called AO MDR synergy. Developed by scientists from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this technique combines Adaptive Optics to correct light distortion and Mode Diversity Reception to gather scattered signals. Together, they enable the satellite to send strong and clear signals even through atmospheric turbulence.
The system was tested at a ground station in southwest China using a 1.8 metre telescope fitted with 357 deformable micro mirrors. These mirrors corrected the laser signal in real time. The laser beam was then split into eight separate channels. A specially developed algorithm picked the three strongest channels to decode the data, improving signal reliability from about 72 percent to over 91 percent.
What makes this achievement unique is that such a high-speed data transfer was done across such a long distance using just a low-power laser beam. This satellite development opens up new possibilities for global communication using fewer but more powerful satellites placed farther from Earth. It moves beyond the need for low Earth orbit systems and brings focus to laser-based networks.
This new approach has the potential to support high quality video streaming with less buffering, improve communication in remote areas, and enhance space missions. It also offers a solution to the limitations of traditional radio frequency systems by allowing higher speeds, larger bandwidth, and lower delay.
This milestone could change the future of satellite communication and increase interest in laser technology as countries and companies look for faster and more stable global networks.
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