搭建“太空天梯”，破解航天测控难题

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges faced by satellites in maintaining communication due to limited ground station coverage and the curvature of the Earth, leading to potential "disconnection" issues when satellites move over remote areas like the Pacific Ocean [1][2] - The company, Shifang Starlink, is addressing these challenges by developing the "Kunlun Constellation," which utilizes medium Earth orbit satellites to ensure continuous communication coverage over China and other regions [2][3] Industry Challenges - Current satellite communication systems face difficulties due to the Earth's curvature, resulting in areas where ground stations cannot maintain contact with satellites [2] - The limited number of high-orbit relay satellites and the high costs associated with their construction do not meet the increasing demand for satellite launches, especially with nearly 50,000 satellites expected to be launched during the 14th Five-Year Plan [1][2] Company Solutions - Shifang Starlink aims to enter the commercial space control sector by focusing on medium Earth orbit technology, which is more cost-effective and can provide coverage with fewer satellites [3] - The company plans to launch three satellites that can cover most of the globe, ensuring that at least one satellite is always above China for continuous communication [2][3] Technological Innovations - The satellites are designed to be lightweight, each weighing less than 1,000 kg, allowing for a "one rocket, three satellites" launch strategy, which reduces launch costs [4] - Equipped with specialized laser communication devices, the satellites can achieve data transmission speeds of up to 10 Gbps, significantly improving the efficiency of data transfer compared to traditional methods [4][5] Commercialization and Cost Efficiency - Shifang Starlink has already signed 40 strategic cooperation agreements across various sectors, including rocket launches and remote sensing data transmission, which will reduce costs by approximately 40% compared to traditional ground station services [6] - The company estimates that its services will lower the annual costs of satellite ground station rentals from around 20 million yuan to one-fifth of that amount, making it more accessible for government and enterprise users [6] Future Plans - The first three satellites of the Kunlun Constellation are scheduled for launch in early 2027, marking a significant milestone for the company [5][6] - The company aims to expand the constellation to 36 satellites in total, establishing a robust communication network that can maintain contact with satellites regardless of their location on Earth [7]