Micius: China successfully launches first hack-proof quantum satellite in the world

China on Monday successfully launched the first quantum satellite of the world. The quantum satellite is capable of providing ‘hack-proof’ communications between space and the ground at speeds faster than light with significant military and commercial applications.

The 600-plus-kilogramme satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern Gobi Desert at 1:40 AM, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Once every 90 minutes, the satellite will circle the Earth after it enters a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 kms. The satellite is called 'Micius' and is named after a fifth century BC Chinese philosopher and scientist, the report said. The scientist has been credited as the first one in human history conducting optical experiments.

In its two-year mission, the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) is designed to establish “hack-proof” quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground and provide insights into the strangest phenomenon in quantum physics - quantum entanglement.

“The satellite’s mission will be to develop ‘hack-proof’ quantum communications, allowing users to send messages securely and at speeds faster than light,” the report said.

Quantum communication boasts of ultra-high security as a quantum photon can neither be separated nor duplicated. It is hence impossible to wiretap, intercept or crack the information transmitted through it. A quantum key is formed by a string of random numbers generated between two communicating users to encode information.

Once intercepted or measured, the quantum state of the key will change, and the information being intercepted will self-destruct. With the help of the new satellite, scientists will be able to test quantum key distribution between the satellite and ground stations, and conduct secure quantum communications between Beijing and Xinjiang’s Urumqi.

QUESS, as planned, will also beam entangled photons to two earth stations, 1,200 kms apart, in a move to test quantum entanglement over a greater distance, as well as test quantum teleportation between a ground station in Ali prefecture in Tibet, and itself.

“The newly-launched satellite marks a transition in China’s role - from a follower in classic information technology (IT) development to one of the leaders guiding future IT achievements,” Pan Jianwei, chief scientist of QUESS project with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said. 

The Quantum Experiments at Space Scale, or Quess, satellite programme is part of an ambitious space programme by the Communist giant that has accelerated since Xi Jinping became party chief in late 2012. 

(With inputs from PTI)