In March 2025, researchers reported results from the Jinan-1 quantum microsatellite demonstrating real-time satellite-based quantum key distribution with multiple compact ground stations in China and South Africa. The microsatellite established optical links with ground stations in Jinan, Hefei, Wuhan, Shanghai, and Stellenbosch, generating secure keys in real time.
As published in Nature, the experiment enabled encrypted communication between Beijing and Stellenbosch over a distance of approximately 12,900 km. The microsatellite payload weighed approximately 23 kilograms, with portable ground stations weighing about 100 kilograms.
The experiment showed the feasibility of using lightweight microsatellites and portable ground stations for long-distance quantum communication, laying groundwork for potential constellations of quantum satellites and large-scale quantum networks. The work was supported by Jinan Innovation Zone, the Key R&D Plan of Shandong Province, and the National Key Research and Development Program of China.