The Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has launched its first operational satellite-ground laser communication system, marking a significant advancement in China’s space technology.

The new system, which went into regular operation from the Pamir Plateau, is expected to dramatically increase data transmission speeds from around 6GB per second to several hundred gigabytes per second.

This enhancement is crucial for receiving and processing high-quality remote sensing satellite imagery, thus facilitating scientific research, Space Daily has reported.

The institute noted that the laser communication system will play a vital role in addressing the growing demand for higher capacity data transmission as China’s satellite data output continues to surge.

Written by B.C. Begley