Beijing: The world of space is witnessing swift development in the present times. In a successful move, China has launched its quantum satellite – the first in the world.


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Weighing over 600 kg, the satellite took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gobi Desert, aboard a Long March-2D rocket at 1:40 am, Xinhua reported.


Nicknamed 'Micius', the satellite will circle the Earth once every 90 minutes after it enters a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 km.


In its two-year mission, QUESS is designed to establish "hack-proof" quantum communications by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground, and provide insights into the strangest phenomenon in quantum physics -- quantum entanglement.


With the help of the new satellite, scientists will be able to test quantum key distribution between the satellite and ground stations, and conduct secure quantum communications between Beijing and Xinjiang's Urumqi.


QUESS, as planned, will also beam entangled photons to two earth stations, 1,200 km apart, in a move to test quantum entanglement over a greater distance, as well as test quantum teleportation between a ground station in Ali, Tibet, and itself. 


Check out the video of the launch below!



(Video courtesy: CCTV+)


(With IANS inputs)