China has launched the world's first quantum satellite on a two-year experiment in an effort to establish communications that cannot be hacked.
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The 600 kg spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Center in the Gobi Desert at 0140 local time.
Officially known as the Quantum Science Satellite (QUESS), the mission has been renamed Mozi after the ancient Chinese philosopher said to be the first in history to conduct optical experiments.
The team will also test quantum key distribution, a form of secure communication in which the laws of quantum mechanics prevent snooping.
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