China Mobile Launches The First 6G Test Satellite In History

The first satellite to test 6G architecture was launched successfully by China Mobile, the largest telecom carrier in the world based on the number of mobile subscribers, which is a significant step forward in the company’s exploration of integrated space and ground communication technology.

The first 6G design architecture test satellite in the world was launched on Saturday along with a second satellite equipped with China Mobile’s 5G technology. Both satellites are in low-Earth orbit.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Innovation Academy for Microsatellites and China Mobile collaborated to develop the distributed autonomous architecture for 6G, which is deployed on the 6G test satellite. China Mobile stated that the system improves the efficiency and dependability of the in-orbit operation of the satellite core network by supporting automated management, flexible deployment of core network functions, and in-orbit software reconstruction. It does this by using domestic hardware and software.

Compared to high-orbit satellites that travel at 36,000 kilometers, these experimental satellites, which are positioned at an orbit height of about 500 kilometers, offer benefits like low latency and high data transfer rates.

According to China Mobile, low-Earth orbit satellites are positioned as a critical platform for future integrated space and ground networks. They can fill in telecom signal coverage gaps in terrestrial mobile networks and offer higher bandwidth satellite internet services globally.

China Mobile stated that it intends to use these test satellites for in-orbit experiments, which will quicken the integration and growth of the space-to-ground technology sectors.