World’s first hack-proof satellite launched

China has successfully launched the world’s first quantum satellite which can provide ‘hack-proof’ communications at speeds faster than light between space and the ground with significant military and commercial applications. It is set to launch Beijing far ahead of its global rivals in the drive to acquire a highly coveted asset in the age of cyberespionage- hack-proof communications.

Name of satellite:

Micius, named after a fifth century BC Chinese philosopher and scientist who has been credited as the first one in human history conducting optical experiments

Mission objective:

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 (a physical phenomenon that occurs when pairs or groups of particles are generated or interact in ways such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently — instead, a quantum state must be described for the system as a whole)

Advantages of Quantum communications:

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. Quantum physicists have recently advanced the use of photons to communicate securely over short distances on earth. The satellite, if successful, would vastly expand the range of unhackable communication.

Analysis:

China's big-spending quantum research initiative, part of Beijing's broader multi-billion dollar strategy to overtake the West in science and space research, is being closely watched in global scientific research and security circles, with groups from Canada, Japan, Singapore and Europe also planning their own quantum space experiments. Quantum technology is a major strategic focus of China's most recent five-year economic development plan, with investment likely driven in part by concern over the cyber capabilities of the United States. The technology could likely initially be used to transmit sensitive diplomatic, government and military information, with future applications including secure transmission of personal and financial data. If Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) satellite is successful, China hopes to erect an Asian-European quantum key distribution network by 2020, and a global quantum communications network in 2030.

By: Dr. Vivek Rana