Earth Science News
CYBER WARS
South Africa China achieve milestone with 12900 km quantum satellite connection
illustration only
South Africa China achieve milestone with 12900 km quantum satellite connection
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Mar 20, 2025

Scientists from South Africa and China have achieved a historic milestone in quantum communication by creating the world's longest ultra-secure quantum satellite link, spanning an unprecedented 12,900 km. This link, established using the Chinese quantum microsatellite Jinan-1 in low Earth orbit, is also the first of its kind ever implemented in the Southern Hemisphere.

The collaboration between Stellenbosch University in South Africa and the University of Science and Technology of China enabled the real-time generation of quantum keys through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). These keys facilitated the transmission of encrypted images between ground stations in both countries using one-time pad encryption, a method regarded as virtually unbreakable. The outcomes of this pioneering project were published in *Nature*.

Stellenbosch's advantageous environmental conditions, including clear skies and low humidity, contributed to the successful generation of 1.07 million secure bits during a single satellite pass. This notable performance was made possible by QKD, which uses single photons to encode encryption keys. The quantum nature of these photons prevents any form of interception or duplication without disrupting their state, ensuring exceptionally secure communication.

China continues to lead in the field of quantum communication, under the guidance of distinguished physicist Prof Jian-Wei Pan. The nation boasts a vast quantum infrastructure, including a 2,000 km terrestrial quantum network linking 32 trusted nodes from Beijing to Shanghai. Prof Juan Yin, who played a pivotal role in developing China's first quantum satellite, Micius, previously established a 7,600 km quantum satellite link between China and Austria in 2017. For this South Africa-China initiative, Prof Juan Yin once again led the Chinese research team.

On the South African side, Dr Yaseera Ismail from Stellenbosch University's Department of Physics led the effort to establish the satellite link. Prof Francesco Petruccione, a prominent figure in quantum computing and director of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), was instrumental in pioneering quantum communication in the country, including the creation of an early fibre-optic quantum network in Durban. This recent accomplishment also supports the planned launch of the Stellenbosch Centre for Quantum Science and Technology, aimed at positioning South Africa as a leader in quantum research.

Dr Yaseera Ismail emphasized the significance of international cooperation: "International and national collaborations are essential to drive cutting-edge research and push scientific boundaries. Implementing the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere is an outstanding achievement for South Africa, demonstrating the significant potential to develop a thriving quantum ecosystem."

Prof Francesco Petruccione added: "This successful demonstration of quantum satellite technology firmly positions South Africa as a significant player in the rapidly evolving global quantum technology ecosystem. Collaborations such as this accelerate scientific breakthroughs, build local expertise, and enable translating advanced quantum research into tangible technological solutions."

Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, noted: "This breakthrough underscores the importance of supporting and investing in the basic sciences such as quantum computing. We are proud that our researchers are pushing the frontiers of science. This work is in line with SU's Vision 2040, to be Africa's leading research-intensive university recognised for its excellence and advancing knowledge in service of society. Congratulations to both teams."

Research Report:Microsatellite-based real-time quantum key distribution

Related Links
Stellenbosch University
Cyberwar - Internet Security News - Systems and Policy Issues

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
CYBER WARS
Hong Kong passes cybersecurity law for 'critical infrastructure'
Hong Kong (AFP) Mar 19, 2025
Hong Kong passed a law on Wednesday that officials say will better protect "critical infrastructure" against cyber attacks, imposing security requirements on entities in sectors ranging from banking to air transport. Authorities have cited the need to defend computer systems that are "increasingly vulnerable to attacks with serious consequences", while distancing the bill from perceptions of government overreach. The Chinese city's tech hub Cyberport suffered a ransomware attack in 2023 that exp ... read more

CYBER WARS
Brought to eel: France busts elver-smuggling ring

Parisians back 'garden roads' scheme in record low turnout

Chinese tariffs on Canadian agricultural products kick in

Canada files WTO trade action against Chinese agriculture, fishery duties

CYBER WARS
Next-Generation Water Satellite Maps Seafloor From Space

Philippines, US kick off army drills ahead of Hegseth visit

Water-rich Brazil becoming ever drier, report warns

US refuses water request for Mexico in new battleline

CYBER WARS
Amplified warming risks from long-term climate and carbon feedbacks

German prosecutors file charges against 5 climate activists

Venezuela cuts public sector work week due to drought

Record numbers forced to flee climate disasters: UN

CYBER WARS
Star Catcher showcases space energy beaming tech at Jacksonville stadium

Space Solar teams with MagDrive to boost in-orbit solar power systems

Nanocellulose infused with red onion extract shields solar cells from UV degradation

Artificial photosynthesis breakthrough replicates early plant processes

CYBER WARS
Eco friendly low-cost energy storage system from pine biomass

Why Expanding the Search for Climate-Friendly Microalgae is Essential

Solar-powered reactor extracts CO2 from air to produce sustainable fuel

Zero Emissions Process for Truly Biodegradable Plastics Developed

CYBER WARS
Israeli officials work on Gaza voluntary migration plan

One dead, two missing in Ecuador bridge collapse; N. Macedonia buries victims of deadly nightclub fire

UN chief condemns 'intolerable' suffering in Gaza

Indonesia passes bill allowing military in more govt roles

CYBER WARS
Ecuador ministry says new Amazon fuel leak an 'attack'

US sanctions Huthi-linked China oil refinery

Trump to impose sharp tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan oil

China slams US 'interference' in Venezuela over Trump oil tariff threat

CYBER WARS
Pro-Trump US senator meets Chinese vice premier

Brazil's Lula to build trade ties on Japan state visit

China says to pursue 'correct' path of globalisation as trade woes mount

China says it 'welcomes' visit by pro-Trump senator

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.