China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in medical technology with the world’s first satellite-based, ultra-remote surgeries. This innovative advancement holds the potential to transform how trauma care is administered, especially in challenging environments such as high-intensity combat zones.

The surgeries were executed using the Apstar-6D broadband communications satellite, positioned an impressive 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. According to reports by South China Morning Post, doctors from the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital successfully carried out five remote operations while based in various locations including Lhasa in Tibet, Dali in Yunnan, and Sanya in Hainan. The patients, situated in Beijing, underwent critical procedures targeting their liver, gallbladder, or pancreas, utilizing a domestically developed robotic surgical system. Remarkably, all patients were reported to have recovered and been discharged the following day.

In an extraordinary display of technological capability, data for each surgical movement traveled nearly 150,000 kilometers round trip, showcasing innovation on both a domestic and international level. The operation's success emphasizes the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of performing complex surgeries over long distances, facilitated by advanced satellite technology and robotic systems. CCTV elaborated, stating, “This series of remote surgeries spanned China’s mountains and straits.”

The Apstar-6D satellite, launched in 2020, has been instrumental in this achievement, capable of delivering up to 50 gigabits per second with an estimated operational lifespan of 15 years. It provides extensive coverage across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing significantly on facilitating air and sea traffic communications. This satellite is the first of a constellation of three to four planned geostationary satellites designed to provide broadband access to aircraft, ships, and remote locations.

One remarkable surgery included the removal of a liver tumor conducted by Dr. Liu Rong from Lhasa while the patient was in Beijing. This operation was made possible through various communication optimizations that included advanced data classification, Quality of Service (QoS) control, and traffic management systems. These improvements significantly minimized latency and brought it close to the physical limits of satellite communication.

This historic medical achievement signals a future where satellite-based surgeries could become “a fully normalized and commercialized clinical practice,” allowing for seamless 24/7 global medical coverage and facilitating life-saving surgical interventions even in the most remote areas. Satellite solutions stand out by overcoming geographic and logistical constraints, thereby offering broad coverage and faster deployment.

In addition, China continues to augment its presence in the satellite communications technology field, as evidenced by the recent delivery of the Apstar-6E, the country’s first all-electric propulsion communications satellite, to Indonesia, further solidifying its standing in this advanced technology sector.