Yaseera Ismail,
Lisa Lock, Andrew Zinin
A major breakthrough in quantum technology was achieved in October 2024: the first-ever quantum satellite communication link between China and South Africa. The connection spanned a remarkable 12,900 km: the longest intercontinental quantum communication link established to date. The longest before this was 7,600 km and within the northern hemisphere only. It was achieved with quantum key distribution, a method for a sender and receiver to share a secure key that they can use to safely send messages.
Any interception during transmission leaves traces that can be detected. It involves sending single photons (tiny particles of light). If someone tries to intercept the photons, the photons get disturbed because of quantum physics. Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level. Sender and receiver use only undisturbed photons, making the key to the message ultra secure.
The key can be sent via optical fiber or free-space, including satellites.Quantum communication can be used to send data in many sectors such as the government, military and financial sectors. I'm part of the group of quantum physics researchers who created a secure, real-time quantum link between Beijing in China and Stellenbosch University in South Africa. It's the first quantum satellite link in the southern hemisphere. It's also the first secure quantum communication between the northern and southern hemispheres.
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