The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 metres, for the first time in the country, the organisation said Monday.
A number of key technologies were developed indigenously to accomplish this major feat, which included the use of indigenously developed "NAVIC" receiver for time synchronisation between the transmitter and receiver modules, and gimbal mechanism systems instead of bulky large-aperture telescopes for optical alignment, it said.
"The demonstration has included live video conferencing using quantum-key-encrypted signals. This is a major milestone achievement for unconditionally secured satellite data communication using quantum technologies", the space agency said in a statement.
The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology underpins Quantum Communication technology that ensures unconditional data security by virtue of the principles of quantum mechanics, which is not possible with the conventional encryption systems, ISRO explained.
The conventional cryptosystems used for data-encryption rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms, whereas the security offered by quantum communication is based on the laws of Physics.
"Therefore, quantum cryptography is considered as "future-proof", since no future advancements in the computational power can break quantum-cryptosystem", ISRO said.
The free-space QKD was demonstrated at Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, between two line-of-sight buildings within the campus.
The experiment was performed at night, in order to ensure that there is no interference of the direct sunlight.
"The experiment is a major breakthrough towards ISRO's goal of demonstrating Satellite Based Quantum Communication (SBQC), where ISRO is gearing up to demonstrate the technology between two Indian ground stations", it said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
ISRO Launches EOS-08 Earth-Observing Satellite, Marks Third Successful Mission for SSLV ISRO Reschedules SSLV-D3 Satellite Launch to August 16 Explained: What ISRO's 'Baby Rocket' Launch Means For India's Future In Space Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Private Jets, Luxury Cars: Lavish Life Of "Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha Video: Woman Tries To Jump Off Mumbai's Atal Setu, Saved By Driver, Cops Watch: Turkish MPs Fight During Debate On Jailed Opposition Leader "Shoot Me Up With...": What Matthew Perry Told Assistant Hours Before Death Private Jets, Luxury Cars: Lavish Life Of "Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.