Chinese scientists develop world’s first orbiter that allows smartphones to make direct satellite calls

A team of Chinese engineers and scientists have developed the world’s first satellite that lets smartphones place a call directly through it, instead of mobile towers. The idea is, that in case of an emergency where mobile connectivity may be severely impacted because of a natural calamity or any other disaster, people can call for help directly, by connecting to an overhead communication orbitter.

The idea for such a satellite came about after 2008, when Sichuan, a province in southwestern China, was struck by a devastating magnitude-8 earthquake, resulting in the tragic loss of over 80,000 lives.

What made the situation far worse back then was the communication breakdowns in affected areas, which in turn severely hindered rescue operations, thus compounding the crisis.

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In response to this disaster, the Chinese government started the Tiantong Project, a satellite communication system. The purpose of the satellite is to provide universal access to communication services irrespective of socio-economic status.

Named after the Chinese term for “connecting with heaven,” reminiscent of the biblical Tower of Babel, the project symbolized a commitment to enhancing communication resilience in the face of adversity.

Sixteen years since its inception, the Tiantong Project has witnessed some major advancements in satellite communication technology. This, as if by miracle coincides with new trends and developments in mobile phone connectivity.

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The deployment of the Tiantong-1 series involves launching three satellites orbiting synchronously at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers. This has the potential to revolutionise communication across the Asia-Pacific region, from the Middle East to the Pacific Ocean.

In September of the previous year, Huawei Technologies introduced the world’s first smartphone capable of satellite calls. These smartphones were compatible with the Tiantong satellites. Globally, the first smartphone to advertise satellite calling as a feature was the iPhone 14.

Huawei’s breakthrough innovation paved the way for other Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo, to follow suit, catering to a growing demand for satellite-enabled mobile devices among Chinese consumers.

However, the realization of direct satellite connectivity for mobile phones posed formidable technical challenges, particularly concerning passive intermodulation (PIM) interference. PIM has plagued commercial communication satellite networks, hindering further technological advancements.

In response, Chinese scientists spearheaded groundbreaking research to mitigate PIM effects, culminating in the development of innovative suppression techniques and advanced detection technology.

The success of the Tiantong Project underscores China’s leadership in satellite communication technology and its commitment to addressing critical challenges facing the aerospace industry.

Moreover, China’s robust patent portfolio in this domain ensures unhindered access to revolutionary satellite communication technology for domestic hi-tech companies, safeguarding against potential patent barriers or sanctions from the West.

In contrast, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation, while offering similar capabilities, operates in low-Earth orbit and primarily targets older 4G phones, highlighting divergent approaches to satellite communication technology.

As the global space race continues to evolve, the competition between China’s Tiantong Project and SpaceX’s Starlink promises to shape the future of satellite communication, with profound implications for connectivity worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)