An international team led by Chinese scientists has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in quantum communication, successfully realizing quantum-secured communication over a distance of 12,900 kilometers between China and South Africa.
Using the Jinan-1 micro-nano satellite and compact ground stations, the team enabled real-time quantum key distribution (QKD) between the satellite and miniaturized ground stations, including one in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
This pioneering achievement demonstrates the potential for secure quantum communication on a global scale, marking a significant step toward worldwide quantum networks that are resistant to hacking.
The findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. A peer reviewer of the journal praised the work as “a technically impressive achievement,” noting that it represents “considerable progress towards trusted-node constellations for widespread satellite QKD services” and showcases “the maturity of satellite QKD technology.”
The collaboration between Chinese scientists and their counterparts from Stellenbosch University underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing frontier technologies.
This advancement opens up new possibilities for ultra-secure global communication networks, potentially transforming how sensitive information is transmitted across long distances.
