Signal
In June 2025, Chinese researchers transmitted 1 Gbps of data from a geostationary satellite using just a 2-watt laser, roughly the output of a household LED. The test, conducted from 36,700 km above Earth and received at Lijiang Observatory, surpassed Starlink’s median downlink speeds by 5x, using a fraction of the power. The system used adaptive optics and mode diversity reception (AO-MDR) to counter atmospheric turbulence and maximise signal coherence, raising usable signal efficiency from 72% to 91%. This bypasses radio frequency congestion, minimises detectability, and operates without a dense LEO constellation. Published in Acta Optica Sinica, the test demonstrates viable long-range laser comms from geostationary orbit, long seen as infeasible for such bandwidth.
Why it matters
China’s laser test reframes orbital architecture. Rather than rely on thousands of low-flying satellites, this model enables high-speed, secure, energy-efficient data links from a few fixed geostationary points. Laser comms are harder to intercept, immune to spectrum competition, and ideal for military C2 and deep space missions. This marks a doctrinal shift: sovereign orbital capacity may increasingly depend on precision optical systems rather than orbital mass. It also signals an emerging layer of contested infrastructure where optical dominance, not just orbital presence, becomes decisive.
Strategic Takeaway
Orbital power is no longer just about satellite count. Precision optics at high altitude offer sovereign control with lower risk and higher coherence.
Investor Implications
This breakthrough tilts investment towards laser-based orbital infrastructure. Expect increased funding for adaptive optics, beam-shaping arrays, and ground-based laser terminals. Defence primes and dual-use firms integrating optical payloads for secure space comms stand to benefit. LEO comms players may face long-term margin pressure if high-orbit laser links prove cheaper to scale. The future advantage lies not just in launch cadence but in signal integrity and power efficiency.
Watchpoints
2026 → China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology expected to release orbital optical comms roadmap.
2026–27 → PLA trials of laser-based satellite command and encrypted battlefield comms.
2027 → ESA and NASA GEO-laser interoperability initiatives with LCRD and OPS-SAT 2.
Tactical Lexicon: Adaptive Optics
Real-time optical correction systems that reshape light beams distorted by atmospheric turbulence using deformable mirrors.
Why it matters:
Enables high-bandwidth laser transmission from orbit.
Reduces need for spectrum, power, and massive satellite fleets.
Sources: dailygalaxy.com
The signal is the high ground. Hold it.
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