China develops Microsatellite for QKD:
A future Quantum Network connects Quantum Devices with revolutionary computing power and thus enables secure global communication. A Quantum Satellite Constellation offers a solution to facilitate the Quantum Network on a global scale. However, scaling up Quantum Satellite Constellations is challenging, requiring small lightweight satellites, portable ground stations and real-time secure key exchange. China has made significant progress with the development of a quantum-based microsatellite. This microsatellite securely transmits keys from space to earth using compact ground stations.
The Quantum Microsatellite features a payload weighing approximately 23 kg, while the portable ground station weighs about 100 kg – significantly lighter than the Micius satellite. The bidirectional satellite-ground optical communication is used for Quantum Communication, enabling key distillation and secure communication in real-time. Up to 0.59 million bits of secure keys can be transmitted in a single satellite pass. The microsatellite can be readily assembled on existing space stations or small satellites, paving the way for a satellite-constellation-based quantum and classical network for widespread real-life applications. China is planning to deploy more Quantum Communication Satellites in 2025 to further expand its network capacity. Click here for the publication.