China tests fire-fighting drone remotely controlled from 1,500 km away

China recently simulated a remote fire extinguishment mission using a drone controlled from 1,500 kilometers away.

A Beijing-based commercial space company, Galaxy Space, recently ran a demo simulating a fire rescue operation, deploying a drone to put out the fire via the company's own satellite internet network. The experimental network currently consists of eight satellites in operation.

The drone is equipped with a phased-array antenna terminal, enabling direct connectivity with low-Earth orbit satellites.

That gives it high-bandwidth, low-latency communication, allowing operators to see live HD feeds, track the fire in real time and remotely fly the drone with almost no lag. 

This opens the door to long-distance emergency response, especially in mountainous, forested or hazardous areas where human teams can't reach fast enough.

The demonstration also offers a glimpse into the converging future of China's commercial space tech and low-altitude economy.

If remote firefighting proves scalable, it could dramatically shorten response time, reduce risks for firefighters and save lives.

(Cover photo by CGTN's Jia Jieqiong)