Latest news with #LiuChao
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Science
- Express Tribune
China's satellite internet achieves 1Gbps, five times faster than Starlink
A team of Chinese researchers has broken new ground in satellite internet technology by achieving a remarkable 1Gbps data transmission from a satellite, a speed five times faster than what Starlink currently offers. The breakthrough, which could revolutionise satellite internet, addresses one of the key limitations of space-based communications: atmospheric turbulence. The development, led by Liu Chao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor Wu Jian from Peking University of Posts and Telecommunications, combines two advanced technologies – Adaptive Optics (AO) and Mode Diversity Reception (MDR) – to ensure fast, stable connections. Researchers were able to develop a high-speed, reliable satellite internet connection capable of providing data transmission at 1Gbps, far surpassing the performance of current satellite services like Starlink. While Starlink satellites orbit around 341 miles above Earth, the Chinese team's satellite operates at an impressive 22,807 miles above the planet, achieving these speeds despite the increased distance. Chinese researchers have just achieved a new 1Gbps data transmission from a geostationary satellite – this kind of speed is unheard of, even for Elon Musk's Starlink. — TechRadar (@techradar) June 24, 2025 This innovation is significant not only for its speed but also for its low error rate, which has increased by nearly 20% compared to previous methods. The experiment was conducted using a 5.9-foot telescope at the Lijiang observatory in China, employing a two-watt laser, the equivalent of the power used by a nightlight. Through a combination of optical adjustments and real-time signal selection, the researchers were able to maintain exceptional connection quality, even with the vast distance to the satellite. The implications of this technology extend beyond internet use on Earth. Its potential could transform communications for space missions and satellite navigation systems. Additionally, if this technology is successfully implemented, it may offer a more reliable internet service in remote areas, including places where traditional broadband is unavailable, providing an alternative to Starlink and other satellite providers. However, it is still in the experimental phase, with the findings published in Acta Optica Sinica as a proof of concept. If commercialised, it could challenge existing satellite internet services and lead to faster, more reliable connections for users around the globe.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Chinese satellite reportedly beats Starlink by transferring data 5x faster using a tiny laser
In a pioneering advance for satellite communications, Chinese scientists have stunned the global space community by transmitting data from a staggering altitude of 36,000 kilometres using a laser no more powerful than a nightlight. This 2-watt laser, part of a cutting-edge satellite experiment, achieved an extraordinary 1 Gbps data rate, outperforming Starlink 's network by fivefold. What makes this feat even more astonishing is that it was accomplished through Earth's turbulent atmosphere, long considered a major barrier to laser-based communications. The breakthrough could redefine how satellites are built, deployed and operated in the future of global internet infrastructure . How China's 2-watt laser surpassed Starlink's speed from deep space At the core of this technological milestone lies an incredibly low-powered 2-watt laser, about the same strength as a household LED bulb. Despite its seemingly weak output, the laser successfully beamed high-speed data across a vast 36,000 km gap, smashing expectations. This performance easily eclipses Starlink's average speeds of a few megabits per second, even though the SpaceX satellites operate at much lower orbits of around 550 km. According to reports from Interesting Engineering, the Chinese laser's data transfer was stable and fast, making it one of the most efficient space-based communication tests ever recorded. AO-MDR synergy: China's secret weapon by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo The Chinese research team, led by Professor Wu Jian of Peking University and Liu Chao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, deployed an innovative technique known as AO-MDR synergy. This stands for adaptive optics (AO) and mode diversity reception (MDR), two complementary technologies that correct for atmospheric distortion and capture scattered laser signals. Previously, each method alone fell short of overcoming turbulence, but when combined, they delivered remarkably clear and consistent transmission even through chaotic atmospheric layers. This development could prove transformative for future satellite-to-Earth laser communication systems. High orbit, higher rewards Most satellite networks like Starlink operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), requiring thousands of satellites to ensure global coverage. China's breakthrough challenges that model by proving that fewer satellites positioned in higher geostationary orbits can deliver comparable or even superior results. The ability to send high-speed data over 36,000 km using low-power lasers means less dependency on bulky satellite constellations and ground infrastructure. This not only reduces launch costs and orbital congestion but also offers a more sustainable model for space-based communication. Implications for global internet and national security The success of this experiment isn't just a technical win, it's a strategic signal. As nations race to dominate the next era of digital infrastructure, China's leap forward showcases its growing influence in the space-tech sector. High-speed, laser-based satellite communication could reshape how rural areas connect to the internet, how disaster relief is coordinated, and how governments ensure secure data transmission. Moreover, fewer satellites at higher altitudes mean less risk of space debris and potentially safer, longer-lasting networks. This achievement offers a glimpse into the future of laser-powered satellite communications. If scaled successfully, AO-MDR synergy could pave the way for a global internet that's faster, cleaner and more reliable. China's bold step may not just change the rules of space communication, it could rewrite them entirely. Whether this spurs global collaboration or fuels further competition, one thing is clear: the skies are no longer the limit.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
How 'Groundbreaking' Chinese Satellite Compares With Starlink
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A "groundbreaking" Chinese satellite has managed to transmit data five times faster than Elon Musk's Starlink using a laser no more powerful than a nightlight. From 36,000 kilometers above Earth, the satellite achieved a 1 gigabit per second data rate, overcoming signal disruptions that have limited the space-based laser communication of other industry leaders. Why It Matters SpaceX's Starlink uses a dense network of low-orbit satellites to compensate for lower altitude and limited per-satellite capacity. The success of the Chinese satellite at a much higher orbit suggests that alternative methods to Starlink are possible, though they have yet to be expanded to the same level as SpaceX. What To Know A Chinese research team, led by Professor Wu Jian of Peking University and Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, employed a new method for a series of tests that were published on June 3 in the Acta Optica Sinica journal. The process, known as AO-MDR synergy, stabilized the laser signal against distortions caused by Earth's atmosphere. It counters one of the major challenges of using satellite laser downlinks—atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and weakens signals. The test used only a 2-watt beam, which is orders of magnitude less than conventional optical systems. The result was a sustained transmission rate of 1 Gbps, eclipsing Starlink's real-world rates of 100 to 250 Mbps. A full rotation precision radio telescope is seen on June 5, 2024, in Russia. A full rotation precision radio telescope is seen on June 5, 2024, in Russia. Getty Images How Does Starlink Compare? Starlink operates a constellation of more than 7,000 satellites at roughly 550 kilometers above Earth. Its primary advantage is low latency, benefiting users who need fast response times. However, Starlink's architecture requires constant satellite replacements and complex tracking systems to maintain performance. The Chinese satellite's orbit, more than 60 times higher, naturally introduces more latency, but it offers consistent global coverage from a single orbital slot. While Starlink uses radio frequency, which is less sensitive to cloud cover, the laser-based Chinese system is limited in adverse weather but provides higher bandwidth potential. Starlink's network is optimized for consumer access and mobile deployment, while the Chinese satellite, if scaled, appears aimed at high-bandwidth commercial or government uses where throughput outweighs minimal latency. What People Are Saying Professor Wu Jian of Peking University and Liu Chao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences described the test as "groundbreaking", writing in their paper published in the Chinese-language journal Acta Optica Sinica: "This method effectively prevents communication quality degradation caused by extremely low signal power." What Happens Next? Whether China can scale this system for broad use remains to be seen. A single demonstration from geostationary orbit doesn't yet replace the dense coverage of networks like Starlink.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Star Wars goes real: Chinese satellite reportedly zaps Starlink from 36,000 KM with 2-Watt laser beam
In a significant leap for space communication, a Chinese satellite has reportedly transmitted data five times faster than Starlink using a tiny 2-watt laser from 36,000 km away. This breakthrough, achieved through a novel AO-MDR system correcting atmospheric distortions, promises faster satellite internet, improved GPS, and enhanced real-time space communication. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How did they make it work? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Future possibilities FAQs A Chinese satellite has used a small 2-watt laser from 36,000 km above Earth to send data faster than Starlink. This surprising success shows how far space technology has come, using just a weak beam of light to beat powerful internet though the laser was as weak as a nightlight or candle, it sent data at 1 Gbps speed. This is 5 times faster than Starlink's usual speed, which only reaches a few Mbps, as per project was led by Professor Wu Jian and Liu Chao. One big problem in space lasers is atmospheric turbulence, which shakes and distorts the laser signal. Older systems used either Adaptive Optics or Mode Diversity Reception, but alone, they weren't strong Chinese team combined both AO + MDR into one system called AO-MDR synergy. This new combo helped to fix the signal distortion and also catch scattered light for better clarity, as stated in the team managed to send strong signals clearly even during heavy turbulence and over massive distances. This could lead to much better satellite internet, with faster speeds and more reliable connections. Could also help in HD video streaming, telecom, media, and even space missions. The system works without needing complex ground systems, which makes it cheaper and more shows China is becoming a big player in space tech and could soon lead in satellite communication. Laser-based satellites might replace traditional radio waves, offering faster internet and less delay, as per the report by could also improve GPS, and help with real-time communication in space. The research is seen as a huge win for science worldwide, not just for Chinese scientists used a 2-watt laser from 36,000 km to send data five times faster than used a new AO-MDR system that fixed signal distortion and made the laser work clearly even through Earth's atmosphere.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Chinese researchers achieves internet 5 times faster than Starlink using 2-watt laser: Report
Representative image (Source: Reuters) A team of Chinese scientists has reportedly developed a new way to improve satellite laser communication from space to Earth, achieving faster data speeds despite atmospheric interference. According to a South China Morning Post, researchers led by Wu Jian of Peking University of Posts and Telecommunications and Liu Chao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have managed to transmit data to a ground station at speeds of 1 gigabit per second using a 2-watt laser from a satellite over 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. This, the report says, is significantly faster than current systems such as Starlink , which offers speeds in the megabit range. The team tested the method using a 1.8-meter telescope at a research facility in Lijiang, southwest China. The system targets the challenges of atmospheric turbulence, which weakens and distorts laser signals as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere. How China achieved faster internet speed than Starlink To address this, the scientists combined two existing techniques—adaptive optics (AO) and mode diversity reception (MDR). The combined AO-MDR method helped correct the shape of distorted light beams and captured multiple signal modes simultaneously, improving both signal strength and reliability. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In their paper – published on June 3 – in the journal Acta Optica Sinica, the researchers said the technique reduced transmission errors and increased the chance of receiving usable signals from 72% to over 91%. The method was tested using advanced components such as 357 micro-mirrors inside the telescope to reshape the laser's wavefront and a multi-plane converter that split the signal into eight channels. A custom-built algorithm selected the three strongest channels for data transmission in real time. China has been expanding its research and development in laser-based satellite communications. In 2020, its Shijian-20 satellite achieved a record 10Gbps laser downlink from geostationary orbit. The power level used on that satellite remains undisclosed. JOB SCAM ALERT! Don't Let Fake Recruiters Steal Your Money AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
