What is Quantum Satellite?

Introduction

With the use of quantum physics, India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) hopes to provide secure communications by launching a quantum satellite in two to three years. India is positioned to lead the way in next-generation technologies thanks to this program.

What is a Quantum Satellite?

• A spacecraft that has quantum communication equipment installed, allowing for safe data transfer based on quantum principles, is known as a quantum satellite.
• It makes use of quantum key distribution (QKD), which safely distributes encryption keys by utilizing the rules of quantum physics including superposition and entanglement.
• These keys can’t be broken since any effort to listen in disrupts the quantum state and may be detected. The constraints of ground-based fiber-optics are overcome by quantum satellites, which span great distances.
• They are essential for creating international quantum networks, developing secure communications, and opening up possibilities for quantum computing and cryptography applications. In 2016, China launched the first functioning quantum satellite, called Micius.

What are the Key Features of a Quantum Satellite?

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
  • Cryptographic keys can be sent by quantum satellites by utilizing the quantum characteristics of particles like photons.
  • This allows for extremely secure communication since quantum physics makes sure that any effort to eavesdrop is detected and breaks the quantum state.
• Entanglement Distribution
  • Distant ground stations can receive entangled photon pairs from quantum satellites.
  • This is essential for allowing applications such as global quantum networks and quantum teleportation.
• High-altitude Quantum Experiments
  • Large-scale experiments testing the basic ideas of quantum mechanics are carried out by quantum satellites in environments like vacuum and low gravity.
• Global Reach and Minimal Signal Loss
  • By sending signals across space with little loss, quantum satellites enable safe communication over thousands of kilometers, in contrast to terrestrial fiber-optic connections, which experience severe signal deterioration over extended distances.
• Advanced Photon Detection Systems
  • High-sensitivity detectors are used by quantum satellites to measure individual photons and preserve the integrity of quantum data while it is being sent.

What is Quantum Encryption?

• It secures communications using quantum key distribution (QKD).
• In quantum measurement, the state of a quantum system, such a photon (a minuscule particle of light), changes as it is measured.
• This interference changes the status of the photons if an eavesdropper tries to measure them while holding a key. The genuine people involved in the communication will thus be able to identify the compromised key right away.
• Furthermore, any modification to one photon immediately impacts the other due to quantum entanglement, making it difficult for an eavesdropper to change the data covertly.
• By identifying any eavesdropping, QKD provides “unconditional security” and guarantees secure communication.

What are Global Developments in Quantum Key Distribution(QKD)?

• The biggest QKD network in the world is being run by China and consists of four ground stations and three quantum satellites.
• India is developing plans for a satellite-based QKD network as part of its ongoing quantum communications trials. An appropriate location for such a system is the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, according to studies conducted by the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru.
• A successful demonstration of free-space quantum communication across a 300-meter distance was made by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• 2025 has been declared the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” by the United Nations (UN) in an effort to raise public awareness of the significance of quantum physics and its applications.

What are the Limitations of Quantum Key Distribution?

• Technological Maturity: Large-scale QKD networks are not yet commercially practical, and the technology is still at the experimental stage in India.
• Infrastructure Costs: In comparison to more conventional encryption techniques, QKD implementation is more expensive due to the need for specific hardware and infrastructure.
• Integration: A major technological difficulty is integrating QKD with current communication networks while maintaining compatibility with traditional encryption techniques.
• Lack of Authentication: QKD is susceptible to possible attacks in which an adversary might pose as a genuine party as it lacks a trustworthy way to verify the transmission’s origins.

What is the National Quantum Mission (NQM)? 

• The Government of India launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to expedite the nation’s quantum technology research, development, and implementation. The mission, which was revealed in April 2023, is a big step in making India a world leader in the cutting-edge field of quantum science and technology.
• With a Rs. 60,000 crore investment from 2023–2024 to 2030–31, the NQM was introduced in 2023 with the goal of advancing quantum technologies in India and establishing India as a leader in quantum technologies and applications (QTA) worldwide.

What is the Objective of National Quantum Mission (NQM)?

• Over the course of eight years, the NQM plans to use superconducting and photonic platforms to create intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits (quantum bits).
• Secure quantum communications via satellite will be established both domestically in India and abroad within a 2000-kilometer radius.
• The NQM will create multi-node quantum networks and facilitate the dissemination of quantum keys across 2000 kilometers between cities. The development of atomic clocks for precise applications is another area of emphasis.

What is the Significance of the National Quantum Mission?

• Technological Leadership: NQM places India among the select group of nations actively investing in quantum research, such as the United States, China, and European countries.It ensures India remains competitive in a field poised to define the next technological revolution.
• National Security: Quantum technologies offer secure communication systems through quantum cryptography, reducing vulnerability to cyberattacks and eavesdropping.Quantum sensors can enhance surveillance, navigation, and defense applications, ensuring strategic advantages.
• Economic Growth: By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in quantum technologies, the mission can catalyze the growth of new industries.Quantum computing can optimize logistics, finance, and energy sectors, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
• Scientific Advancements: NQM will drive fundamental research in quantum physics and its applications, leading to breakthroughs in computing, communication, and materials science.It encourages interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration across physics, engineering, and computer science.
• Industrial Applications: Quantum technologies can revolutionize sectors like healthcare, with advanced imaging and diagnostics, and agriculture, with precision sensors for monitoring soil and climate conditions.

Way Forward

• Post-Quantum Cryptography: The hardware restrictions of QKD have led some experts to suggest post-quantum cryptography as a solution. This methodology combines classical encryption methods with quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Quantum Authentication: The key will be the development of quantum authentication methods that provide both identity verification and encryption. In addition to strengthening the system’s defenses against impersonation and data breaches, this will bridge the gap in the security chain.
• Miniaturisation and Robustness: The development of more affordable, energy-efficient, and compact quantum devices for scaled implementations would enable the technology to be used in a variety of sectors, including healthcare and military.
• International Collaboration: For a network of quantum communications to be standardized and interoperable, international collaboration is essential. India should use organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to influence international standards and make sure its quantum systems are secure and compatible with other systems.

Conclusion

India’s ambitious National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to revolutionize secure communication with quantum satellites. Utilizing quantum key distribution (QKD), it promises unparalleled data security and global connectivity. With significant investments and cutting-edge research, India is poised to lead in quantum technologies, enhancing national security, economic growth, and scientific innovation while fostering international collaborations for a quantum-driven future.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Sources:

• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-the-quantum-satellite-for-indias-national-quantum-mission-explained/article69003757.ece
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-reaches-new-milestone-in-space-based-quantum-communications/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_Experiments_at_Space_Scale
• https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/first-quantum-satellite-successfully-launched
• https://physics.aps.org/articles/v15/172
• https://www.science.org/content/article/china-s-quantum-satellite-achieves-spooky-action-record-distance