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For the first time in human history, a quantum computer has been launched into space. This compact device, roughly the size of a shoebox, was sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket as part of the Transporter-14 mission. It will operate approximately 550 km above Earth and is expected to begin transmitting its first signals within a week, paving the way for the development of next-generation computing technology.

This breakthrough was made possible by the photonic technology underpinning the system. The computer utilizes entangled particles of light instead of electrons and features a silicon waveguide chip internally. Laser pulses traverse optical elements, where precise analog manipulations occur, ensuring high-speed computations and resilience to interference. Reliable operation in the harsh space environment is guaranteed by passive thermal insulation of the casing, a hermetically sealed container for the processor with shock-absorbing layers, and successful radiation and vibration resistance tests. The device is powered by solar panels.

The primary advantage of this orbital quantum computer is its ability to process information on-site. This means that if the satellite detects, for instance, a wildfire or an anomaly on Earth, the data will be analyzed in real-time without the need for transmission to ground-based servers. This approach significantly reduces latency, conserves energy, and provides instantaneous results, which is critically important for tasks where every minute counts, such as weather monitoring, disaster tracking, and pollution analysis.

The project is spearheaded by a team from the University of Vienna, with support from engineers in Germany. This flight is not merely an isolated experiment; it is part of a larger program aimed at testing the operation of a photonic circuit in open space for the first time. The mission's success will yield crucial insights into the future of orbital quantum networks and computing stations, potentially revolutionizing data processing beyond our planet.

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Photo: Венский университет/SpaceX на X