Researchers from China’s Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) have set a new domestic speed record, achieving stable laser communication between a satellite and Earth at a blistering 120 gigabits per second (Gbps). This breakthrough, which transmitted high-quality remote-sensing images, overcomes critical stability challenges for ultra-high-speed data links from space.
Imagine downloading a vast library of high-definition satellite images in the blink of an eye. That’s the frontier Chinese scientists have just advanced. A team from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully conducted an operational experiment in space-ground laser communication, smashing speed records. They achieved a stable downlink transmission rate of 120 Gbps, processing high-quality imagery from the transmitted data, reported CMG.
This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a monumental leap in engineering. Just two years ago, in 2023, the team celebrated a 10 Gbps breakthrough. By 2025, they reached 60 Gbps. Now, they’ve doubled that peak performance. But what does this actually entail? Li Yalin, a senior engineer at AIR and the technical lead of the team, offers a brilliant analogy. He compares building a 10 Gbps link to constructing a simple single-lane bridge over a raging river. Achieving 120 Gbps, however, is like engineering a multi-lane highway bridge that must be built rapidly and handle immense, parallel traffic with flawless efficiency. “The engineering difficulty increases exponentially,” Li stated.
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/first-patient-atalante-x-exoskeleton-trial/
The experiment’s success lies in both hardware and clever software innovation. It was conducted between the AIRSAT-02 satellite and a ground station in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region equipped with a self-developed 500mm aperture laser system. Notably, the satellite’s physical hardware didn’t change. Instead, the team performed an ingenious in-orbit software reconfiguration, essentially unlocking hidden potential in the existing laser communication payload to double its capacity from 60 Gbps to the record-setting 120 Gbps.
Why is this so important for the future? As satellites capture ever more detailed data, radio frequency transmission is becoming a bottleneck. Space-ground laser communication is now the frontrunner solution for ultra-high-speed, massive data delivery. This test proved that a stable, high-efficiency link is possible. According to CMG, the team overcame the daunting challenges of rapidly establishing a link and maintaining its long-term stability—a crucial hurdle for practical use.
WATCH ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/wing-expands-walmart-drone-delivery/
The technical results are staggering. During the experiment, the satellite and ground station achieved link acquisition in mere seconds with a success rate exceeding 93 percent. They maintained a maximum continuous connection for 108 seconds, resulting in a total data acquisition of 12.656 terabits. This demonstrates not just raw speed, but a reliable and controllable system.
This milestone is far more than a number on a chart. It represents a critical step toward a new era of real-time, high-volume data flow from orbit. This capability will supercharge applications in earth observation, disaster monitoring, and scientific research, where getting the maximum data down quickly is paramount. For China’s space and information infrastructure, building this “multi-lane highway” from space signifies a massive boost in indigenous technological prowess and data sovereignty.
READ ALSO: https://modernmechanics24.com/post/china-analog-ai-chip-china-12x-faster/
