A quantum computer goes to space

A quantum computer has reached new heights.

The first quantum computer in space is now orbiting Earth on a satellite, scientists report. Launched on June 23, the computer had to be designed to fit in a small package, use limited power and endure wild temperature swings.

The computer’s hardware is now operational, says project leader Philip Walther, a physicist at the University of Vienna. Demonstrations of its capabilities are coming next.

Satellites often contain onboard computers that perform various calculations. For example, a satellite might process and enhance images on the fly. Crunching the numbers in space and sending the result down to the ground is often more efficient than beaming back all the raw data.

But energy is at a premium on satellites. That means quantum computers could be useful if they can perform such calculations more efficiently than standard computers. Because quantum computers use the physics of the small scale realm, they may be better at solving particular problems, such as certain machine learning tasks.

The device is a photonic quantum computer, meaning it calculates using particles of light called photons. Such computers are typically built in highly controlled laboratory conditions and sprawl across tables that are meters long, using energy-hungry lasers and electronics. The new quantum computer fills a volume of just 3 liters and uses only about 10 watts of power — similar to a typical LED light bulb.

Scientists have previously deployed satellites designed for quantum communication. Those satellites can transmit and receive photons to enable ultrasecure messaging across large distances. In the future, such quantum communication networks may also demand quantum computers in orbit, Walther says.

Space-based quantum computers could also allow tests of fundamental physics principles in a new environment, Walther says. “Being the first here also means we have the duty and privilege to investigate if things operate in the way as we’d be used to on the ground.”