Miciusproject

Micius project, also known as the QUESS program (Quantum Experiments at Space Scale), is a Chinese initiative to develop space-based quantum communication. Initiated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the program aims to demonstrate quantum key distribution and related quantum information experiments via a satellite. The Micius satellite, named after the philosopher Mozi, was launched in 2016 from Jiuquan on a Long March rocket. The mission was led by researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China, with participation from several institutes and international partners.

The project pursues secure cryptographic key distribution over long distances, distribution of quantum entanglement between distant locations, and quantum teleportation experiments, to lay groundwork for a space-based quantum network. In its early demonstrations, Micius established quantum key distribution between itself in orbit and ground stations in China; subsequent experiments distributed entanglement and performed teleportation between separate ground stations via the satellite.

These results demonstrated the feasibility of satellite-enabled quantum communication and the potential to extend secure communications beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. The program has contributed to the development of a global quantum communication infrastructure and spurred international interest in space-based quantum technologies. It also informs planning for continental- and intercontinental quantum links. The name Micius honors Mozi, a historical figure associated with ideas about communication and signaling.