Published : 2024-08-16

On August 16, 2016, China successfully launched the world's first quantum science experimental satellite, "MoZi".

The quantum satellite, initiated in December 2011, is one of the first batch of scientific experimental satellites under the pioneer project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) for space science.

The main scientific goals of the quantum satellite are firstly, to conduct high-speed quantum key distribution experiments between space and earth, and on this basis, to conduct wide-area quantum key network experiments, in hopes of making major breakthroughs in the practical applications of space quantum communications.

Secondly, it's set to perform quantum entanglement distribution experiments and quantum teleportation experiments on the scale of space, and to verify quantum mechanics theory.

China independently developed the quantum satellite, making breakthroughs in a series of key technologies, including high-precision targeting, maintenance and correction of polarisation state and basis vector between space and earth, and quantum entangled source on board.

The successful launch and orbit operation of the quantum satellite can help China maintain and extend its international leading position in the practical application level of quantum communication technology, achieve leapfrog improvements in the national information security and information technology level.

And it is expected to push Chinese scientists to make major breakthroughs in the frontier field of quantum science, which will have enormous significance for promoting the sustainable development of China's space science satellite series.

The satellite MoZi enables China to achieve quantum communication between a satellite and the earth for the first time in the world, establishing an integrated quantum secure communication and scientific experiment system between space and earth.