TL;DR: China's Micius (Mozi) satellite is the world's first quantum science satellite. It has demonstrated satellite-to-ground QKD over 1,200 km and intercontinental QKD between China and Austria over 7,600
China's Micius (Mozi) satellite is the world's first quantum science satellite. It has demonstrated satellite-to-ground QKD over 1,200 km and intercontinental QKD between China and Austria over 7,600 km. Micius proves that satellite-based quantum communication is viable for global quantum networking, complementing fiber-based networks for long-distance links.
Type
Satellite-based quantum communication
Protocol
QKD via satellite downlink; inter-satellite quantum links
Range
1,200 km (satellite-to-ground); 7,600 km (intercontinental via two satellites)
Status
Operational since 2016; demonstrated intercontinental QKD