Mo Tzu (quantum satellite network)

History

2024: Russia and China start transmitting data via satellite quantum communication channel

In April 2024, it became known that the Russian Federation and China began to exchange data via a satellite communication channel with quantum protection. The new technology allows you to transfer information quickly and securely.

Scientists from the National Research Technological University (MISIS), the Russian Quantum Center and the Chinese private company QSpace Technologies have established a secure quantum connection between ground stations. They managed to transfer information 3.8 thousand km from Zvenigorod to Nanshan. The results of the experiment are published in the publication Optics Express.

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Optics Express

Initially, scientists exchanged a 310 KB quantum key, and then encrypted images measuring 256x64 bits. For data transmission, the Mo-Tzu satellite was used. To establish communication with it, Russian scientists used two telescopes (one to work with data and the other to point at a satellite).

The experiment was based on the Chinese satellite Mo-Tzu, launched into orbit back in 2016 to conduct experiments with the transmission of distributed quantum keys through space. Traditionally, optical transmission lines were used for this, which is due to the photons used by the carriers of quantum states. When intercepting such carriers, quantum states were destroyed, and this signaled the compromise of the transmission.

The only receiving ground station in the Russian Federation in Zvenigorod was created by Russian scientists on the basis of a telescope, which is located on the territory of the observatory of the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It allows stable communication sessions with the satellite, as well as decoding the polarization states of single photons sent by the spacecraft.

The data collected in the process of organizing the channel will be used to further develop quantum communications and, above all, satellite communications, which are not yet used for commercial purposes. China is also ahead of other countries along the way.^[1]

2023

Scientists have established a channel with quantum protection between Russia and China using the Mo-Tzu satellite

A team of scientists from MISIS University, the Russian Quantum Center (RCC) and KuSpace Technologies conducted a joint experiment on the transmission of messages protected by quantum cryptography between Russia and China. MISIS announced this on December 1, 2023.

To transfer the key to enciphering a distance of more than 3,500 km, a unique satellite communications of the quantum "Mo-Tzu" developed by scientists was used. PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA More. here

Network construction

In early March 2023, it became known that Chinese research institutes are working to create a quantum communication network using satellites in low, medium and high Earth orbits.

Pan Jianwei, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the People's Political Advisory Council of the PRC (14th convocation), spoke about plans to deploy the system. According to him, the network will use elements of quantum mechanics to encrypt and securely transmit information. The project will take into account the results obtained under the Mo-Tzu program, the world's first satellite designed for quantum transmission of information to Earth. This device was launched by China in 2016. During the mission led by Pan, it was possible to perform experiments on quantum key distribution, quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation.

The network will use elements of quantum mechanics to encrypt and securely transmit information

We cooperate with the National Center for Space Sciences in the development of satellites that will be located in medium and high earth orbits. In the future, a combination of high-orbit and low-orbit devices will form a global quantum communication network, "said Pan.

According to SpaceNews, at the first stage, three to five small satellites weighing less than 100 kg will be created, designed to generate entangled particles that will be used as quantum keys. These devices are planned to be launched into solar-synchronous orbits 800 km high. After that, satellites in low Earth orbit will provide communication between cities, and devices in higher orbits will allow intercontinental quantum communication. For the new network, China will also build compact ground-based information exchange stations. In the future, the system will be able to function around the clock.^[2]

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