The Chinese mini-satellite, Jinan-1, successfully transmitted a quantum-encrypted code over nearly 13,000 kilometers to South Africa, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance secure communication using miniature satellites.
Jinan-1, weighing only 94 kilograms, is significantly smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than its predecessor, Micius. The ground station receiver was also miniaturized from 13,000 kilograms to a portable 100 kilograms. This miniaturization makes the technology more practical and accessible for widespread use.
The experiment represents a major leap forward in QKD, using laser light pulses to transmit quantum-encrypted information. This method ensures secure communication, even against future quantum computers that could potentially break traditional encryption methods.
This success is a milestone towards building a global QKD network. Companies and organizations are exploring this technology for commercial applications, with plans to launch additional mini-satellites for wider deployment. Though Jinan-1 doesn't create entangled photons (a feature of Micius), the team is working on miniaturizing this technology for a more robust quantum network.
While a remarkable achievement, Jinan-1 lacks the ability to generate entangled photons, a feature necessary for a complete quantum internet. The miniaturization of entanglement technology remains a challenge for the future.