Quantum satellite communications

Patrick Anthony, Funmi Eko Ezeh, Stephanie Onyekachi Oparah +5 more

Quantum communications represent a cutting-edge frontier in secure information exchange, with satellite networks emerging as a promising platform for their implementation. This paper provides an overview of the trends and challenges in leveraging quantum technologies for satellite communications networks. Beginning with a brief introduction to quantum communications and satellite networks, the paper delves into the fundamentals of quantum key distribution (QKD), teleportation, and entanglement, highlighting their relevance to satellite-based communication systems. The paper then explores recent advancements in quantum satellite communications, including the development and deployment of quantum satellites and the achievement of long-distance quantum communication via satellites. However, alongside these advancements come notable challenges. Technical hurdles such as atmospheric interference and signal degradation over long distances pose significant obstacles to the practical implementation of quantum communication in satellite networks. Moreover, practical challenges such as high development costs, regulatory complexities, and integration issues with existing infrastructure further complicate the adoption of quantum technologies in satellite communications. Looking ahead, the paper discusses future trends and opportunities in the field, including advancements in satellite technology, integration with 5G networks, and the expansion of quantum network applications. Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of quantum communications for satellite networks are substantial, offering unparalleled security and the ability to establish secure communication channels over vast distances. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, quantum communications hold the promise of revolutionizing satellite networks and paving the way for a new era of secure and efficient global communication.

Sonai Biswas, Riccardo Bassoli, Janis Nötzel +3 more

László Bacsárdi

Seema G. Bavachkar, Ajinkya S. Shewale, Rushikesh R Potdar +1 more

In recent years, quantum communication is emerging as a new era of technology. As space offers a suitable environment for different quantum physical experiments with different velocities and distances which are not possible on ground. As satellites cover larger distance it is interesting to know about recent studies and experiments on quantum communication with satellites as quantum technology offers secure transmission. This paper demonstrates in detail description of quantum communication with satellites, its requirements and latest achievements in quantum communication with satellites.

王志 Wang Zhi, 聂敏 Nie Min

Quantum satellite communication can meet the requirement of quantum mobile communication among sailing,aviation field with long-distance and extensiveness communications,and onboard switching is one of the key techniques in quantum satellite communication.Based on the onboard switching technique in low earth orbit(LEO) quantum satellite communication,a novel algorithm is proposed that is terminal measure-distance method.By using this algorithm,the distances between terminals and its adjacent cell center are measured,and then the distances data are uploaded to the current satellite system,finnaly the satellite system compares the distances and determines whether to handover or not.Mathematical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has high reliability,is easy to operate,and can smoothly switch between the different satellites.

Yuan Wen Cao