To ensure stable, real-time transmission of its 19 hours of coverage before launch of the Mengtian space capsule, China’s digital newspaper, The Paper, relied on technology from TVU Networks. The Paper’s live launch countdown from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site included interviews with industry experts and passersby at Wenchang Qishui Bay Beach, as well as live camera broadcasting (LCB) of the launch itself. Using a TVU One 5G mobile transmitter, all 19 hours of video and still images from the site were sent to a TVU Transceiver at The Paper’s Shanghai Production Center for transcoding.

TVU Networks’ support of 5G and the strength of the company’s IS+ multi-network aggregation transmission technology received accolades from crew at The Paper. “With its support of 5G and multi-network aggregation, we were completely confident of a stable signal at lift off,” said Deng Chaojian, on-site reporter for The Paper. “The TVU technology not only works wonders with live broadcast video but also reproduces high-quality stills. During the entire pre- and at-launch process, TVU One was very stable and reliable, helping us successfully complete the live broadcast mission.”

The Mengtian (translation: Dreaming of the Heavens) is a laboratory cabin module of the Tiangong space station. It is the second laboratory cabin module launched, with Wentian being the first. The Mengtian module is equipped with expanded, in-orbit experiment capacity, including eight research cabins. It provides a pressurized environment for researchers to conduct experiments in freefall or zero gravity that could not be conducted on Earth for more than a few minutes. Experiments can also be conducted on the outside of the modules for exposure to the space environment, cosmic rays, vacuum, and solar winds.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be part of this historic event in China,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “The Paper’s pre-launch coverage was key in spreading enthusiasm for the mission and China’s space program worldwide. Our TVU One and TVU Transceiver performed flawlessly and delivered rock solid results of the successful launch. The Paper has developed a devoted audience since its start in 2014, and we look forward to participating in breaking news stories with them in the future.”