Quantum Computing and Secure Communication for Space Exploration

The deeper into space, the more secure and high-speed missions targeting Mars and lunar habitats are needed. As our needs for secure and high-speed communication and also for powerful computing capabilities grow increasingly critical, it becomes evident that classical systems are not capable of meeting the extreme demands of space. This chapter explores how recent advances in quantum computing and quantum communication could come forward to meet these challenges head-on. Based on QKD and entanglement-based protocols of communication, it investigates how mission data, commands, and telemetry can be shielded from intercept or tamper also how some complex calculations and various data processing tasks that require quantum computing can be performed in deep space. Real world projects regarding Micius satellite of China act as case studies to demonstrate how theory is pitted against practice. In addition, the major technical hurdles are outlined, ranging from photon loss to synchronization problems. The path ahead for enabling the next generation of space communications infrastructure is also presented.