China Mobile, the world’s largest telecom carrier by mobile subscribers, has successfully launched the world’s first satellite to test 6G architecture, marking a milestone in its efforts to explore integrated space and ground communication technology

According to China Daily’s report, the recent launch last week involved a significant milestone in satellite technology

The test satellite deployed in the low-earth orbit marked a groundbreaking achievement as it incorporated the innovative 6G design architecture Additionally, another satellite accompanying it showcased China Mobile’s advanced 5G technology

The 6G test satellite hosts a distributed autonomous architecture for 6G, which was jointly developed by China Mobile and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Innovation Academy for Microsatellites The system, utilizing domestic software and hardware, supports in-orbit software reconstruction, flexible deployment of core network functions and automated management, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the in-orbit operation of the satellite core network,

China Mobile said Set at an orbit height of approximately 500 kilometres, these experimental satellites offer advantages such as low latency and high data transfer rates compared with high-orbit satellites which travel at 36,000 kilometers

Positioned as a crucial platform for future integrated space and ground networks, low-earth orbit satellites can address telecom signal coverage gaps in terrestrial mobile networks, providing higher bandwidth satellite internet services globally, according to China Mobile

China Mobile said it plans to conduct in-orbit experiments based on these test satellites, accelerating the integration and development of space-to-ground technology industries