QUESS Satellite: Important Topics for UPSC Exams

What is QUESS?

QUESS stands for Quantum Experiments at space scale.
It is an international research project in the quantum physics jointly developed under Chinese-Austrian Satellite Mission
The satellite is nicknamed “Mozi” or "Micius," after a Chinese scientist who conducted ground-breaking optical experiments in the 5th century B.C.
QUESS is the first spacecraft launched capable of generating entangled photons in space.

It 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.

As per Xinhua, QUESS will send messages to ground stations using entangled photons, such a system is theoretically impossible to hack.
In addition, any attempts to snoop would be picked up via an induced change in the photons' state.
The project tests a technology that could one day offer digital communication that is hack-proof
It could be the future of wireless communications and set new standards in internet security.
If QUESS is successful, further Micius satellites will follow, allowing a European–Asian quantum-encrypted network by 2020, and a global network by 2030.
As per some scientist, QUESS has enormous potential in the defence industry.