China's quantum satellite to be safe from hacks and wiretaps

Beijing: China is set to launch the world's first quantum communication satellite, which boasts of hack-proof, ultra high security features to prevent wiretapping, and intercepts. If the satellite works well, it will pave the way to a hack-proof communication system, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported yesterday.

The satellite will be launched in a matter of days, it said. The satellite has been named "Micius" after a fifth century BC Chinese scientist, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said.

According to CAS, the quantum satellite will conduct experiments on high-speed quantum key distribution between the satellite and ground stations, as well as explore quantum teleportation for the first time in the world.