Quantum satellites currently beam entangled particles of light from space down to different ground stations for ultra-secure communications. New research shows it is also possible to send these signals upward, something once thought unfeasible.
This breakthrough overcomes significant barriers to current quantum satellite communications. Ground station transmitters can access more power, are easier to maintain and could generate far stronger signals, enabling future quantum computer networks using satellite relays.
China launched the Micius satellite in 2016, which enabled the first experiments with the transmission of quantum-encrypted information from space. In 2025, the Jinan-1 microsatellite extended this progress with a 12,900 km quantum link between China and South Africa.
The researchers suggest the uplink concept could be tested in the near future using drones or receivers on balloons, paving the way for future quantum networks across countries and continents using small low-orbit satellites.
The project brings together experts from the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT and the Faculty of Science, combining strengths in quantum networking, systems modelling and photonics.