Quantum Experiments at Space Scale
| Names | Quantum Space Satellite Micius / Mozi |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Technology demonstrator |
| Operator | Chinese Academy of Science |
| COSPAR ID | 2016-051A |
| Mission duration | 2 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Chinese Academy of Science |
| BOL mass | 631 kg (1,391 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 17:40 UTC, 16 August 2016 |
| Rocket | Long March 2D |
| Launch site | Jiuquan LA-4 |
| Contractor | Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous |
| Perigee | 488 km (303 mi) |
| Apogee | 584 km (363 mi) |
| Inclination | 97.4 degrees |
| Transponders | |
| Band | Ultraviolet |
| Instruments | |
| Sagnac interferometer | |
Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS; Chinese: ; pinyin: Liàngzǐ kēxué shíyàn wèixīng; literally: "Quantum Science Experiment Satellite"), is an international research project in the field of quantum physics. A satellite, nicknamed Micius or Mozi (Chinese: 墨子) after the ancient Chinese philosopher and scientist, is operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as ground stations in China. The University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences are running the satellite’s European receiving stations. QUESS is a proof-of-concept mission designed to facilitate quantum optics experiments over long distances to allow the development of quantum encryption and quantum teleportation technology. Quantum encryption uses the principle of entanglement to facilitate communication that is totally safe against eavesdropping, let alone decryption, by a third party. By producing pairs of entangled photons, QUESS will allow ground stations separated by many thousands of kilometres to establish secure quantum channels. QUESS itself has limited communication capabilities: it needs line-of-sight, and can only operate when not in sunlight. If QUESS is successful, further Micius satellites will follow, allowing a European–Asian quantum-encrypted network by 2020, and a global network by 2030.
The mission will cost around US$100 million in total.
The initial experiment will attempt to demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) between Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory near Ürümqi and Xinglong Observatory near Beijing – a great-circle distance of approximately 2,500 kilometres (1,600 mi). In addition, QUESS will test Bell's inequality at a distance of 1,200 km (750 mi) – further than any experiment to date – and teleport a photon state between Shiquanhe Observatory in Ali, Tibet Autonomous Region, and the satellite. This requires very accurate orbital maneuvering and satellite tracking so the base stations can keep line-of-sight with the craft.
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