CASIC Makes Breakthrough in Core Technology of High-Speed Inter-Star Laser Communication

A high-performance laser terminal for space communication passed various testing with all indexes meeting requirements in early August. 

Developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CASIC), the technology is expected to realize long-distance and high-speed earth-satellite communication by establishing and keeping communication links with a fast-moving satellite through controlling, sending and receiving as well as modulating highly-directional lasers.

Low-orbit satellite-based broadband communication networks are the most promising next generation communication methods and laser communication is one of their core technologies.

Compared to traditional microwave communication, laser communication in space can transmit large amounts of information confidentially and has smaller volume.

A communication method used to transmit data in free space by loading small devices with electric signals, laser communication has extremely wide transmission band because of its large beam frequency range and short wave length.

For example, the newly developed laser communication technology can transmit a high-definition film within one second.

Moreover, the laser beam is narrow and has strong directivity. Therefore, laser beam-based data transmission and reception performs well in resisting interception and electromagnetic interference.

Development of the technology started in 2018. Making full use of CASIC'S technical advantages in algorithms, optics and aerospace engineering, the research team overcame difficulties in adapting to the space environment, capturing and tracing the communications and maintaining heat control.

The technology has great potential in communication speed and power consumption, and will play a role in future space-based construction.

Laser communication is currently the best communication method in deep space exploration.

With laser-based plans and space probes, direct communication links between the Earth, the moon and Mars can be launched, making it possible to view livestreaming of deep space.

Two CASIC researchers work on the terminal of the inter-star laser communication. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)