Quantum Satellite

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• The chairman of the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) recently announced India’s plans to launch a quantum satellite in 2-3 years to enable quantum communications.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• It was conceptualized by the Prime Minister Science Technology Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) with a total outlay of Rs 6003.65 Crore for a period of eight years from 2023 to 2031.
• The Mission aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). 
• The Mission aims to establish four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in domains such as,
  • Quantum Computing, 
  • Quantum Communication, 
  • Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and 
  • Quantum Materials & Devices. 

What is a quantum satellite?

• A quantum satellite is a communications satellite leveraging the principles of quantum physics to secure data transmissions.
• Significance: The emergence of quantum computers poses a threat to existing cryptographic systems.
  • Quantum satellites aim to ensure secure communications by employing quantum cryptography particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

How Are Messages Secured in Quantum Communication?

• Quantum Measurement: Measuring a quantum system (like photons) alters its state.
  • If an eavesdropper intercepts a quantum key encoded in photons, their actions will disturb the photons, alerting the sender and receiver to a breach.
• Quantum Entanglement: Entangled particles remain connected such that a change to one particle instantaneously affects the other, ensuring that any interception is immediately detectable.

Global scenario

• China launched the world’s first quantum satellite, Micius, in 2016. 
  • China has also launched other quantum satellites, including Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS).
• United States: Boeing is targeting 2026 to deploy a small quantum networking satellite.

Challenges with QKD

• Authentication Issues: QKD cannot authenticate the source of the transmission.
• Hardware Dependency: QKD relies on specific hardware, making upgrades or patches challenging.
• Cost: High infrastructure costs can be a barrier to widespread adoption.
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Risks: An eavesdropper can disrupt transmissions, preventing legitimate users from accessing the system.

Way Ahead

• While QKD holds immense potential, the U.S. The National Security Agency recommends post-quantum cryptography (PQC) over quantum cryptography. 
• PQC employs advanced classical encryption methods that resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers.

Concluding remarks

• While challenges remain, integrating quantum technologies could provide a comprehensive framework for secure data transmission in the future. 
• As quantum physics continues to redefine technological paradigms, such initiatives will ensure India remains at the forefront of global scientific advancements.

Source: TH