China is taking a giant leap forward in space communication by deploying a cutting-edge laser communication ground system on the Pamir Plateau in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This state-of-the-art facility, featuring a 500mm-caliber antenna, was successfully installed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The new laser system marks a significant advancement over traditional microwave ground stations, ending China's sole reliance on microwave technology for satellite data reception. Li Yalin, a senior engineer at AIR, highlighted that with the rapid growth in aerospace technology and the exponential increase in satellite data, the existing systems struggled to transmit the massive amounts of information efficiently.
Satellite-to-ground laser communications offer immense benefits, including access to abundant spectrum resources and a bandwidth that is 10 to nearly 1,000 times wider than microwave communications. Moreover, the laser communication equipment is lighter, more compact, and consumes less power, addressing the rising demand for efficient and reliable data transmission from satellites.
With this deployment, China is set to enhance its capacity for massive satellite data transmission, optimizing the utilization of its space resources and paving the way for future innovations in space technology.
Reference(s):
China builds station for satellite-ground laser communication
cgtn.com
