Chinese authorities have launched the first satellite that can be used for sixth-generation communications.

At the same time, the technology itself is still under development and is not available for commercial use.

China launched the world’s first sixth-generation communications test satellite. The device was launched into space with a Long March-6 launch vehicle, the launch took place from the Taiyuan cosmodrome, which is located in the northern province of Shanxi.

The 6G satellite was among the three Chinese satellites successfully launched into orbit. They are designed for remote sensing of the Earth, the device was developed by the Argentine company Satellogic.

Chengdu Guoxing Aerospace Technology, UESTC, and Beijing MinoSpace Technology participated in the modification of the satellite.

It will be used to validate 6G technology in space as the 6G bandwidth expands to terahertz frequencies.

The satellite is the first technical test of the use of terahertz communications in space. The technology is expected to be over 100 times faster than 5G, enabling lossless data transmission in space. This will provide long-distance communications with less power output.

The satellite is also equipped with an optical remote sensing load sensing system for monitoring crop disasters, forest fire-prevention, forest inspection, monitoring of water conservation and mountain floods, and for obtaining extensive satellite imagery and data.

According to China Daily, 6G technology is still in development, scientists must overcome several technical obstacles in basic research, equipment design and environmental impact. Only then will the technology become available on the market.