The ZHIHUI TIANWANG-1 01 satellite was successfully launched in 2024, becoming China’s first medium earth orbit (MEO) broadband communication satellite and the world’s first MEO space-based networking satellite. This milestone marks a critical first step in Tsinghua University's leadership of its first system-level aerospace project, the Tomorrow Space Network (TSN) Innovation Project. Following its deployment into orbit, the satellite facilitated tests on space-based network routing and switching, elastic capacity on-demand coverage, and long-duration inter-satellite laser communication, achieving a series of significant breakthroughs.

The TSN Innovation Project spearheads the development of a cutting-edge space network experimental platform. It supports the testing, validation, and rapid iteration of core technologies in integrated space-air-ground 6G communications, satellite internet, and other advanced fields. The project has achieved internationally leading research outcomes in frequency and orbital resource optimization, seamless satellite-terrestrial networking, and sustainable space development.

TSN aims to establish an open platform for research and education in space information networks. By enhancing foundational research infrastructure and cultivating specialized engineering talent, the project advances innovations in science and education. Leveraging Tsinghua University's strengths in disciplines such as information and communication engineering and aerospace science, it promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, fosters new academic growth areas, and strengthens its global academic influence.

Source: Department of Electronic Engineering 

Editor: Guo Lili