Context
India plans to launch a quantum satellite in 2-3 years for quantum communications
About Quantum Satellite
- A communications satellite using quantum physics to secure signals.
- Purpose:
- Enhance signal security against quantum computing threats.
- Facilitate quantum key distribution (QKD) for unbreakable encryption.
- Quantum Cryptography and Key Distribution (QKD)
- A technique to securely share encryption keys using quantum physics.
- Ensures detection of eavesdropping, aborting transmission if compromised.
- Mechanisms in QKD:
- Quantum Measurement:
- Measuring a photon changes its state, revealing eavesdropping.
- Quantum Entanglement:
- Entangled photons instantly reflect changes in one another.
- Quantum Measurement:
- Unconditional Security:
- QKD ensures the key is inaccessible, irrespective of technological advancements.
- Global Developments:
- China operates the world’s largest QKD network with three satellites and four ground stations.
- Reliable transmission distances now extend to several hundred kilometers.
- Indian Progress:
- Raman Research Institute identified Hanle, Ladakh, as an ideal site for satellite-based QKD.
- Planned beam distance: 500 km.
- Drawbacks of QKD
- Authentication Issues: Does not authenticate the transmission source.
- Hardware Dependence: Hard to upgrade or patch QKD networks.
- Infrastructure Costs: Increases costs and insider threat risks.
- Practical Security: Limited by hardware design, not just theoretical physics.
- Denial-of-Service Attacks: Eavesdroppers can halt transmissions.
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- Launched by: Department of Science & Technology.
- Objective: Accelerate the use of quantum physics in next-gen communication and sensing systems.
- Timeframe: 2023-2031.
- Budget: ₹6,000 crore.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Answer: (b)