According to Cui Wanzhao, head of the research team at the China Academy of Space Technology, the Tiangtong project has brought together leading communication technology experts from across the country to address “technical challenges of common concern within the international aerospace community.”
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He explained that the contact between various metal components on large satellite antennas is one of the main sources of PIM.
Chinese physicists have conducted in-depth research on microscopic physical mechanisms such as quantum tunnels and thermal emissions at contact interfaces. This research has produced a series of new physical laws that accurately describe microwave components with silver and gold layers.
Based on SCMP reports, researchers have developed a physics model that can predict the occurrence of PIM with unprecedented accuracy, considering various external factors such as electricity, heat, pressure, and vibration.
From this research, Chinese scientists have created the world’s first PIM simulation software. This software is believed to analyze and evaluate numerically the likelihood of PIM occurrence on microwave components with complex structures, with a very low error rate.
This advanced software has helped Chinese engineers develop effective PIM suppression techniques, including the use of dielectric isolation capacitors and optimized preparation and weaving methods for mesh antenna wires.
Furthermore, Cui and his team have developed the world’s most sensitive PIM detection technology, which can detect PIM occurrences even at very weak levels. This allows satellites to achieve high reception sensitivity, enabling signals from smartphones without external antennas to be captured and identified by satellites tens of thousands of kilometers away.
Each Tiangtong satellite is designed to have a lifespan of 12 years, and its antennas can handle daily temperature changes of up to 160 degrees Celsius while simultaneously emitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in 800 different frequency bands.
Currently, there are already three ‘heavenly satellites’ orbiting in outer space, launched in 2016, 2020, and 2021. Another satellite is planned to be launched in 2024.
The three existing satellites form a network in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers. This network can provide communication services across the Asia-Pacific region, from the Middle East to the Pacific Ocean.
Huawei Technologies introduced the first satellite-enabled smartphone in September 2023. This phone can connect to the Tiangtong satellite. Other Chinese companies, such as Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo, have also followed in Huawei’s footsteps.