MK sports connecting Beijing and Bangkok on February 12, 2025. Photo: courtesy of the GalaxySpace" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-13/ea26dede-ab44-4d8c-a8ab-a43e15bd075e.jpeg" />

GalaxySpace demonstration mobile-to-satellite communication technology based on China's first low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband communication experimental constellation, connecting Beijing and Bangkok on February 12, 2025. Photo: courtesy of the GalaxySpace

Chinese private space star-up GalaxySpace has recently demonstrated mobile-to-satellite communication technology based on China's first low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband communication experimental constellation, successfully connecting Beijing and Bangkok, capital of Thailand in a high-quality video link. 

In an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Thursday, the Chinese firm revealed its ambitious goal to develop space technology to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative space information corridor.

The demonstration of mobile-to-satellite communication technology took place on Wednesday at 10:28 am at a commercial space conference held in Beijing, as one satellite of the network codenamed "Mini Spider" passed over the conference venue. On-site staff used their mobile phones to connect to the satellite via a terminal device installed on the rooftop. Through a gateway station in Beijing, they established a connection with personnel in Beijing and Bangkok, the company told the Global Times on Thursday.

Wang Peng, head of communication networks of GalaxySpace, told the Global Times on Thursday that the satellite internet communication technology demonstrated this time can achieve a maximum speed of over 100 mbps, comparable to 5G speeds. It supports high-definition video calls and operates similarly to the satellite internet services currently being widely provided by SpaceX's Starlink, using dedicated terminal devices to connect with LEO satellites and offering support for high-bandwidth applications.

"At the same time, to meet the future demand for direct connectivity, GalaxySpace is developing a new generation of direct satellite-to-mobile communication technology," Wang disclosed.

According to the GalaxySpace technology head, the Mini Spider is China's first LEO broadband communication experimental constellation, currently consisting of eight satellites independently developed and successfully launched by GalaxySpace. 

So far, the network has completed multiple satellite internet application validations, including the in-vehicle "moving communication" test for the constellation and the first-ever deep-sea multi-satellite continuous communication test, marking an important step forward in the construction of the space-ground integrated network, Wang said. 

GalaxySpace and Thai telecom operator True Corporation on Monday inked a deal to carry out in-depth cooperation in low-orbit satellite communication technology, space-to-ground integrated network solutions, and mobile phone direct satellite communication technology to jointly promote the research and development and verification of related technologies.

The two companies will expand satellite application use scenarios and work together to build future-oriented digital infrastructure.

In May 2024, GalaxySpace, in collaboration with its partner, Mahanakorn University of Technology in Thailand, conducted a LEO satellite internet broadband communication network test and verification in Thailand, based on the "Mini Spider." The successful test marks the first overseas application exploration of China's LEO broadband satellite internet.

Huang Heping, general manager of International Business Development Department of the GalaxySpace, told the Global Times on Thursday that currently, GalaxySpace has reached cooperation agreements with industry partners in over 10 countries. Moving forward, GalaxySpace will use Thailand as a regional hub to promote further international collaboration, leveraging space technology to contribute to the development of the Belt and Road Initiative space information corridor.