QUESS Satellite: Important Topics for UPSC Exams​

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.

What is the Mission of QUESS?

• 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.

Which is its importance?

• 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.

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