China will soon launch a quantum-enabled satellite into orbit. (Photo : Getty Images)
China is taking a big leap for mankind as it schedules the launch of a groundbreaking, innovative satellite that would allow them to conduct quantum experiments in space.
According to Nature.com, China is setting up for the August launch of an especially innovative satellite into the Earth's orbit which could mean a significant progress in the quantum internet development.
This, News Australia notes, could mean that the world will be plunged into a new "global space race" since the breakthrough is a "pioneering experiment" for all of science.
Breakthrough
The launch China's new satellite is quite a significant step in quantum physics considering that it would present great potential in improving digital communication security.
Citing some experts, News Australia said that this would mean that the Middle Kingdom will soon have the capability of sending and receiving encrypted messages that cannot be covertly hacked.
"In physics, we are trying, and we have demonstrated some encryption techniques that rely on the law of physics rather than the mathematical complexity and we call this quantum key distribution," ANU's Department of Quantum Science professor Ping Koy Lam explained.
He further explained how data transfer works through the technology.
"For that to work you need to send laser beams that carry certain information, quantum information, and then you need the senders and the receivers to get together to find a protocol to secure the communication," he said.
The science journal explained that the technology works to provide an ultimately secure communication between two parties because any tinkering on the process would be detectable.
"Two parties can communicate secretly - by sharing an encryption key encoded in the polarization of a string of photons, say - safe in the knowledge that any eavesdropping would leave its mark," Nature.com explained.
This would allow China as well as Austria, its partner for the project, the capability of ultimately introducing a means of communication that cybercrime-proof.
A Race in Science
It is no secret that cybersecurity has remained one of the Communist Party of China's major concerns as it entangles so many possible instances that could jeopardize the country's security.
Because of this, Chaoyang Lu, a physicist from the University of Science and Technology of China based in Hefei who works on the project, believes that China would launch more satellites should the first one become successful.
Talking to Nature.com, he explained that he also believes that there will be a race between countries on who would be able to perfect it first considering this technology's immense potential.
"Definitely, I think there will be a race," he said.
