China has launched the world’s first 6G communications test satellite into space. This will be used to verify the performance of 6G frequency band in space.

The satellite, jointly developed by Chendu Guoxing Aerospace Technology, UESTC and Beijing MinoSpace Technology, went into orbit along with 12 other satellites. It also carries an optical remote sensing load system which can monitor crop disasters, prevent forest fires, check forestry resources, monitor water conservancy and mountain floods.

6G is expected to be over 100 times faster than 5G, compared to 5G only offering up to 10 times the speed of 4G. It will enable long-distance communication with less power output.. This is from expanding the 5G millimetre wave frequency to terahertz frequency.

The fifth generation of wireless networking technology is still very much in its infancy, with 6G even more so. This trial only intends on testing the technology, and there is no guarantee that it will make it into the final standard. There are countless technical hurdles in basic research, hardware design, and its environmental impact before it becomes commercially available. Scientists are worried about 6G’s infrastructure possibly affecting astronomical instruments or public health, a concern also voiced about 5G technology.

The observatory begins in full operation early next year, following a series of technical and performance assessments. Despite this technology in very early stages, China’s satellite could possibly result in a breakthrough in space communication.

By: Nicole Woo

China Experiments With 6G