China to develop a quantum satellite to provide 24h-service

China plans to develop a medium-high-earth-orbit quantum communication satellite able to provide services around the clock in the next few years, Pan Jianwei, member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told CGTN at the press conference for the second session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee on Sunday.

When asked about the future plan for quantum communication technology, Pan said his team is planning to design a new one to supplement the Mozi satellite, which can only function at night due to interference from the sun.

The nation launched its first quantum satellite in 2016. As the world's first quantum communication satellite, Mozi is expected to provide a technical foundation for China to build a self-developed ultra-secure communication system.

The quantum satellite is designed to establish "hack-proof" communications between parties by transmitting un-crackable keys from space to ground stations.

Pan stressed that quantum technology is very crucial to future technology, especially to information transmission. 

"Like driverless vehicles, you need to make sure nobody can hack your driving system, so a secure system is needed, otherwise the passenger will be in trouble when their driving information is divulged," he said.

(CGTN)