NEW DELHI: Chinese scientists have achieved a significant milestone in satellite communications by developing the world’s inaugural satellite capable of facilitating smartphone calls directly, eliminating the necessity for ground-based infrastructure. Named “Tiantong,” meaning “connecting with heaven,” this project draws inspiration from the biblical tale of the Tower of Babel, focusing on bridging communication divides rather than widening them.
The Tiantong-1 satellite series, initiated with its maiden launch on August 6, 2016, now comprises three satellites in geosynchronous orbit at 36,000km, covering the entire Asia-Pacific region. This breakthrough was realized when Huawei Technologies introduced the world’s premiere smartphone supporting satellite calls in the preceding September, paving the way for other manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo to follow suit, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
These technological strides have proven invaluable, particularly in emergency scenarios where conventional communication networks face disruption. For example, during the 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Gansu province on December 18, affected individuals could stay connected with the outside world thanks to the satellite call feature on their smartphones.
A team led by Cui Wanzhao from the China Academy of Space Technology remarked, “Direct satellite connectivity for mobile phones has emerged as a new developmental trajectory, and satellite communication is poised to gain popularity among the general public.” Their research, delineated in the Aerospace Science and Technology journal, underscores the overcoming of significant technical hurdles related to passive intermodulation (PIM), which can compromise the quality of satellite calls.
By mitigating the PIM challenge, the team has enabled remarkably sensitive reception capabilities in the Tiantong satellites, enabling them to capture signals from standard smartphones sans the requirement for external antennas. This capability is crucial, especially considering the satellites’ exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations and their operation across multiple frequency bands.
The conception of such a satellite stemmed from the tragic magnitude-8 earthquake that struck Sichuan, a province in southwestern China, in 2008, claiming over 80,000 lives.
The situation was exacerbated by communication breakdowns in affected areas, significantly impeding rescue efforts and exacerbating the crisis.
In response to this calamity, the Chinese government initiated the Tiantong Project, aimed at establishing a satellite communication system. The objective of the satellite is to provide universal access to communication services irrespective of socio-economic status.
China’s strides in this domain are solidifying its status as a frontrunner in global satellite communication technology, ushering in a new epoch where geographical isolation no longer translates to communication isolation.
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