China's low-orbit satellite internet expands abroad

A private Chinese commercial space company, partnering with a Thai university, has achieved a significant milestone by conducting the inaugural trial of a low-orbit satellite internet broadband communication network in Thailand. This marks the first instance of applying and exploring China's low-orbit broadband satellite internet technology overseas.

GalaxySpace, a private satellite maker based in Beijing, established a ground test station at the Mahanakorn University of Technology in Thailand, based on low-orbit broadband internet. It can continuously observe the communication capabilities of millimeter-wave satellite signals in local weather conditions.

This collaboration provides a platform for local enterprises and universities to conduct research on low-orbit satellite communication systems, besides contributing to the advancement of Thailand's technological capabilities and application scenarios in this field, said GalaxySpace Vice President Liu Chang.

Zhang Shijie, chief scientist at GalaxySpace, said satellite internet, represented by large low-Earth orbit satellite constellations for broadband data communications, has come into the limelight in recent years thanks to its full coverage, high bandwidth, low signal delay and relatively low cost.

In this case, satellite communications are no longer affected by geography, enabling global network coverage. Zhang said more practical satellite internet applications would accelerate the complementarity and integration between satellites and the terrestrial 5G network.

As more types of satellites are launched into orbit, satellite applications, such as direct connection between mobile phones and satellites and satellite applications in the industrial field, will develop further. Ultimately, an integrated network of air, space, land and sea with communication, computing and perception functions will push human society into a 6G era of ubiquitous global coverage, Zhang added. 

(With input from Xinhua)