A Zhuque-2E Y6 carrier rocket carrying two satellites named Spacesail DTC 01 and China Mobile 02 blasts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Wang Heng/Xinhua)
BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese satellite internet company has achieved a major tech milestone, successfully completing direct-to-satellite voice calls using standard, unmodified commercial smartphones.
The firm, Spacesail, based in Shanghai in east China, announced on Friday that this marks China's first trial of its kind, with the entire communication link remaining smooth and stable throughout, while delivering excellent voice quality.
Earlier this month, China launched a Zhuque-2E rocket carrying two satellites, including Spacesail DTC 01. This Spacesail test satellite is designed to verify key technologies for direct-to-cell services and integrated space-ground networking, supporting the convergence of satellite communications with 5G/6G.
Its direct-to-cell technology requires no hardware or software modifications to standard commercial smartphones, and the field test showed full signal strength and voice quality on par with terrestrial 5G. Also, its high compatibility with existing mobile networks paves the way for deeply integrated space-ground communications, according to the company.
By June 5, the Spacesail Constellation had grown to include 200 satellites.
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