ISRO experiments on quantum encrypted data transmission

ISRO experiments on quantum encrypted data transmission in free space over a distance of 300 meters. The demonstration was on a live video-conferencing with quantum key encrypted signals. It happened between two line-of-sight buildings in Ahmedabad at the Space Application Centre.

This experiment can form the basis for a future quantum key encrypted data transmission between satellites and ground stations. A satellite-based quantum encrypted communication can be used to create a network for sharing secret messages.

“This is a major milestone achievement for unconditionally secured satellite data communication using quantum technologies,” said ISRO in a release.

quantum cryptography

What is Quantum Cryptography?

Quantum cryptography “future proofs” any data transmission as the encryption cannot be cracked by existing computers. The current data security – for sensitive information such as banking – depends on large prime factorization problems. A present-day computer will be able to tell that the prime factors of 6 are 2 and 3 but it would not be able to do so for a number that is big enough.

For that, quantum computers are needed. There is no country that has figured out how to develop one yet, but they are all in the race to do so.

Computers around us work on a system of silicon transistors that store information as bits – either in the state of 0 or 1 –on a binary logic analogous to an on-off switch. But quantum computers use qubits – either a proton or an electron – that can exist as O, 1, or any superposition of any possible combination of 0 and 1.

Also Read: India Not Following Real Innovation In Technology

The space agency is now gearing up to demonstrate the technology between two Indian ground stations. ISRO experiments on quantum encrypted data transmission for a reason.

A number of key technologies were developed indigenously for the demonstration including a NavIC receiver for time synchronization between the transmitter and receiver modules. NavIC or Navigation with Indian Constellation is India’s regional version of the satellite-based positioning system.

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