China to Introduce new quantum communications satellites in 2025

China is set to send new quantum satellites into low Earth orbit in the upcoming year as per the scientist in charge of the project. In 2025, two to three quantum communications satellites will be sent into low Earth orbit (LEO) as stated by Pan Jianwei, the scientist responsible for China's 2016 Mozi/QUESS quantum experiments satellite. 

Pan, who leads the Institute of Quantum Information and Quantum Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), declared that another satellite will be sent into medium Earth orbit by 2027. He added that China expects achieving advancements in quantum relay technologies within the next five to six years to set up a quantum communications network.

In 2016, China sent out the innovative Mozi satellite to experiment with quantum physics in space, specifically concentrating on quantum communication and encryption. Created as part of CAS, it showcased quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum entanglement across previously unattainable lengths.

In addition to research centers, the nation has also constructed the Beijing-Shanghai Quantum Communication Backbone, a 2,000-kilometer-long fiber-optic network, which was finished in 2017. In 2022, CAS cooperated with other parties to send the compact Jinan-1 satellite into space using a Lijian-1 rocket for testing quantum key distribution (QKD). It also showcased a reduction in size of advanced technologies.

According to earlier reports, the integration of ground-based networks with the new satellites will result in increased coverage, eventually reaching a global scale. The upcoming satellite in higher orbit will enable extended tests, since Low Earth Orbit satellites only pass by for a few minutes. A 600 mm diameter telescope will be transported for photon transmission.