China's Satellite Net 5x Faster Than Starlink

In a major technological breakthrough, China has achieved 100 Gbps data transmission between a satellite and ground station using laser communications—a speed five times faster than what Elon Musk’s Starlink currently offers via radio-frequency links. This milestone is setting China on course to revolutionize 6G satellite internet and reshape global broadband expectations.

• 100 Gbps laser test conducted by Chang Guang Satellite Technology with its Jilin-1 constellation

• Achieves over 1,000× faster speeds than typical 5G connections

• Equipment: Truck-mounted ground station and a laser terminal on a satellite

• Deployment underway—scaling expected across 300 satellites by 2027

• Starlink has yet to field satellite-to-ground laser tech, though it offers RF speeds of around 150 Mbps

• Laser Communication Terminal
  Installed on one of 117 Jilin-1 satellites, capable of high-power infrared links 

• Mobile Ground Station
  Mounted on a truck, enabling flexible deployment to avoid adverse weather and line-of-sight issues 

• Record Data Test
  The test transferred data at 100 Gbps—enough to download 10 full-length HD movies in 1 second 

• Scaling Up
  Laser terminals are expected on all Jilin-1 satellites, targeting a 300-node constellation by 2027

Speed Revolution: From Starlink’s ~150 Mbps RF links to China’s 100 Gbps laser—an 800× leap in single-jump speeds.

6G Infrastructure: Laser links are essential for future 6G satellite networks, real-time remote sensing, and advanced navigation services 

Optimized Network Use: Offloading vast data streams (like high-resolution imagery) efficiently reduces RF congestion.

• Starlink leads low-Earth orbit constellations with 7,300 satellites; RF speeds ~150 Mbps, plans for inter-satellite lasers but no ground-based laser yet 

• China’s Qianfan/Guowang Projects: Targeting 13,000–15,000 satellites by 2030. Early launches have faced setbacks and delays

• Satellite Speed Race: MIT and NASA have achieved lab-based laser speeds of 100–200 Gbps, but China is the first to test field-deployed satellite-to-ground lasers

• Mobility: Ground stations can relocate to avoid clouds and atmospheric interference 

• Reduced RF Spectrum Use: Laser communications free up valuable radio spectrum for other uses.

• Enhanced Security: Directed laser beams are less prone to interception than radio waves.

• Weather Sensitivity: Fog and clouds can disrupt laser signals, though the mobile station mitigates risks 

• High Implementation Cost: Upgrading constellations and ground stations remains expensive, but China is committed 

• Laser Range Constraints: Effective only within line-of-sight; a multi-hop network is needed for global coverage.

• Constellation Scale-Up: China still trails SpaceX in total satellite numbers and launch frequency.

• Wang Hanghang (CGST):

  “Starlink has inter-satellite lasers but hasn’t deployed satellite-to-ground systems. We’ve already started large-scale deployment.”

• Jonathan McDowell (Smithsonian):

  “2025 is the year other actors get into the game.” China’s investment in high-tech systems is part of a broader strategic shift

• Constellation Expansion: Laser terminals on 300 satellites by 2027, ahead of other giants.

• Global Trials: Expect broader field tests and international partnerships in remote sensing or emergency response.

• Commercial Services: Laser-backed satellite internet plans for remote areas will follow tech development.

• Space Race Implications: China is bolstering its strategic positioning against the West in space technology and digital infrastructure.

China’s 100 Gbps satellite-to-ground laser breakthrough is a game-changer for global broadband. With speeds five times higher than Starlink’s current offering and mobile ground stations ready for deployment, China is staking its claim in the 6G and beyond space race. While challenges remain—and SpaceX remains a dominant player—the laser milestone could tip the balance of satellite internet supremacy.