Quantum Satellite
India is set to launch its first quantum satellite within the next two to
three years, aiming to revolutionize secure communication through
quantum technology. This advancement aligns India with global leaders in
cutting-edge communication systems.
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
The quantum satellite project is a part of the National Quantum
Mission (NQM), approved in April 2023 with an allocated budget of
₹6,000 crore.
The mission spans from 2023 to 2031, focusing on leveraging quantum
physics for advanced communication, sensing systems, and national
security.
Globally, similar initiatives include China’s robust quantum network and
Europe’s Quantum Internet Alliance, which aim to enhance secure
communication systems.
About Quantum Satellite
Definition:
A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that utilizes the
principles of quantum physics, such as quantum entanglement and
superposition, to secure data transmission and prevent unauthorized
access.
Example: Micius
Micius, launched by China in 2016, is the world’s first quantum
communication satellite.
It uses entangled photon pairs to establish secure communication
channels and has successfully demonstrated quantum cryptography.
Micius achieved milestones like transmitting entangled photons over
1,200 km, showcasing the feasibility of secure quantum communication.
Key Functions of Quantum Satellites
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):
Facilitates the secure exchange of encryption keys between parties.
Detects and prevents tampering or interception of messages using
quantum principles.
Objectives:
Enable the secure transmission of data over long distances.
Protect communication channels from unauthorized interference and
cyber threats.
Relevance of Quantum Satellites
Addressing Challenges from Quantum Computers:
Quantum computers pose a significant threat to existing cryptographic
systems due to their ability to break classical encryption.
Quantum satellites provide quantum-resistant communication
protocols, ensuring long-term data security.
Establishing Global Leadership:
By developing quantum satellites, India positions itself as a global leader
in quantum technologies, alongside countries like China, the US, and
Germany.
These technologies will redefine secure communication protocols,
contributing to defense, diplomacy, and scientific collaboration.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
Definition:
QKD is a technique that enables two parties to securely exchange
encryption keys. Any attempt to intercept the transmission alters the
quantum state, alerting users and halting communication.
Current Developments:
China:
Operates the world’s largest QKD network, supported by three
quantum satellites.
Demonstrated secure quantum communication over thousands of
kilometers.
India:
Hanle, Ladakh, has been identified as an ideal location for satellite-
based QKD experiments.
Current experiments aim to transmit data securely over distances of up to
500 km.
Future of Quantum Communication
Quantum communication has vast potential applications in ensuring data
privacy, national security, and scientific research. India’s initiative to
develop quantum satellites reflects its commitment to staying competitive
in the global technology race. Such advancements could redefine secure
communication protocols in the coming decades, similar to Europe’s
Quantum Flagship Initiative, which aims to create a quantum-secure
internet.
Benefits of Quantum Satellites
Enhanced Security:
Quantum principles like entanglement and superposition make quantum
communication virtually immune to hacking.
Future-Proof Encryption:
Addresses vulnerabilities posed by quantum computers to classical
cryptographic systems.
Ensures secure data exchanges for decades to come.
Strategic Applications:
Plays a crucial role in defense, banking, and government
communication systems where data security is paramount.
Similar to NATO’s quantum encryption initiatives for secure military
communications.
Technological Leadership:
Establishes India as a leader in quantum technologies, enabling
collaborations with global stakeholders.
Challenges of Quantum Satellites
Authentication Issues:
QKD lacks inherent processes for verifying the source of communication,
necessitating additional layers of authentication.
Hardware Limitations:
Upgrading and maintaining quantum satellite hardware is complex and
resource-intensive.
Denial-of-Service (DoS) Risks:
Unauthorized attempts to disrupt quantum communication channels
remain a potential threat.
High Costs:
Setting up and maintaining a QKD network involves substantial financial
investments. For example, China’s quantum satellite network cost billions
of dollars to establish.
Signal Loss:
Photon transmission is highly susceptible to environmental factors like
atmospheric interference and distance.
Research in advanced materials and technologies, as seen in NASA’s
photonic experiments, aims to mitigate these issues.
India’s efforts to develop quantum satellites underscore its ambition to
lead in secure communication technologies. By addressing challenges and
leveraging global best practices, India is poised to play a pivotal role in
shaping the future of quantum communication on a global scale.
