China has sent the world’s first 6G test satellite into orbit

While quarrels over China's fifth-generation telephony equipment persist all around the world, China has already ramped up research into the study and development of 6G networks. The country has successfully launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, located in Shanxi Province, what has been described as "the world's first 6G satellite" into space to test the technology.

It went into orbit along with 12 other satellites. The experimental satellite, which has the name "University of Electronic Science and Technology", is said to be a joint venture between the country's key educational establishment and National Star Aerospace.

The telecoms industry is still several years away from agreeing on 6G's specifications, so it is not yet certain the tech being trialled will make it into the final standard. Terahertz communication, one of the key technologies in the development of sixth-generation networks, is said to have an advantage over other alternatives.

According to Professor Xu Yangsheng from Electronic Science and Technology University, the study involves use of high-frequency terahertz waves to achieve data-transmission speeds many times faster than 5G is likely to be capable of. The satellite, which carries a communication payload, will establish a transceiver link to carry out terahertz load tests. The 70-kilogram satellite will thus become "the first technical verification of terahertz communication" tested in space setting,

The satellite will also have some other functions as it carries technology which will be used for natural disaster monitoring and forest fire prevention as well as remote observations, while still carrying out tests.

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Sources:

https://www.sohu.com/a/429914450_114760
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-china-54852131
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_sends_first_6G_Test_Satellite_into_orbit_999.html
https://sputniknews.com/asia/202011061081051855-china-reportedly-sends-the-worlds-first-6g-test-satellite-into-orbit/