Is this quantum microsatellite the start of a global network? A Chinese-South African team tested the idea
Researchers used a small, light device and portable ground stations to set a record in communications
Using a shared encryption key, the team transmitted two images, one of China’s Great Wall and one of the Stellenbosch campus, across 12,900km (8,000 miles) via the satellite.
“[We] report the development of a quantum microsatellite capable of performing space-to-ground quantum key distribution using portable ground stations,” the team said in the paper.
“This achievement serves as a strong foundation for our future plans of launching multiple microsatellites and establishing a vast network of [optical ground stations], leading us towards the realisation of a practical quantum constellation.
“A global-scale quantum network with revolutionary communication, computing and sensing capabilities is anticipated in the near future.”