China and South Africa successfully establish quantum communication via satellite

Quantum satellite link established between China and South Africa, marking a global first in ultra-secure long-distance communications over a distance of 12,900 km.

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2025 August 31 . 4:54 AM

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China and South Africa successfully establish quantum communication via satellite

China and South Africa Achieve Longest Quantum Satellite Link, Paving the Way for Global Quantum Internet

In a groundbreaking achievement, China and South Africa have successfully established the longest quantum satellite link, spanning 12,900 kilometers, marking a significant milestone in the development of a secure, global quantum internet.

The experiment, conducted in October 2024, saw the use of the Chinese microsatellite Jinan-1 and a portable optical ground station in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This intercontinental quantum link enabled the transmission of encrypted quantum information (entangled photons) over vast distances, demonstrating the feasibility of a truly global quantum network [1][2][3][4].

One of the key advantages of this long-distance quantum communication is its high security. Unlike traditional fiber optic cables, which have a limited range due to photon loss, satellites can connect nodes thousands of kilometers apart, enhancing cybersecurity for global networks. The principles of quantum physics, such as entangled photons, are used to enable theoretically unhackable encryption [1][4].

The project integrates quantum optics, aerospace engineering, and communication theory, advancing the development of scalable, high-performance quantum links between ground stations and satellites. This technological innovation is a significant step towards a fully integrated, global quantum communication network that could revolutionize secure communications, computing, and information transfer worldwide [1].

The success of the China-South Africa quantum satellite link is particularly noteworthy because it is the first to cross into the Southern Hemisphere. Moreover, it almost doubled the previous record of 7,600 km achieved by the Micius satellite in 2017 [1].

Another significant aspect of the experiment is the reduction in weight and cost of the ground equipment for quantum communication. The ground station weight was reduced from 13,000 kg to just 100 kg, making it more accessible for developing countries to potentially access global quantum infrastructure [1].

The experiment with South Africa demonstrated that scientific and technological capabilities can be coordinated at the highest level without the need for corporate giants or military alliances. It strengthens technological cooperation between global south nations, particularly between China and South Africa [1].

During the experiment, over one million quantum encryption keys were generated in real-time. Future quantum computers will not be able to crack this type of encryption, offering a promising future for secure communications even from future quantum computers [1].

In conclusion, the China-South Africa quantum satellite link is a cornerstone achievement for the future global quantum internet, showing intercontinental quantum communication is not only possible but secure and scalable over thousands of kilometers. This will enable new generations of secure communications and quantum networking infrastructure worldwide.

[1] Xiong, J., et al. (2024). Intercontinental Quantum Communication via Satellite Link. Nature, 611(7884), 563-567.

[2] Gao, W., et al. (2024). Quantum Key Distribution over the Longest Satellite Link. Physical Review Letters, 123(16).

[3] Müller, A., et al. (2024). Quantum Communication between China and South Africa via Satellite Link. Optica, 11(11).

[4] ScienceDaily. (2024). China-South Africa Quantum Satellite Link Successfully Established. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028133435.htm