Satellites play a quiet but essential role in our everyday routines. From helping airplanes land safely to guiding us with GPS, giving us internet access, and helping during emergencies — satellites support many things we rely on. But this system could be at risk due to a new kind of technology: quantum computers.
Quantum computers are not just upgraded versions of the computers we use today. They follow a completely different set of rules, based on quantum physics. Even though they’re still in development, researchers believe that once these machines are fully ready, they will be able to solve problems regular computers can’t handle — at much faster speeds.
For example, some tasks that would take current computers millions of years could be completed in minutes by a quantum computer. While we don’t know exactly when they will become practical, scientists are making real progress in building and improving them.
These powerful machines could bring huge benefits in science, medicine, and climate research. They could help us design better medicines, understand future climate changes, or create new materials. But along with these benefits, there’s also a serious danger — they could break the codes that protect our digital systems.
Right now, things like satellite signals, online banking, and private messages are protected by encryption. These protections are based on difficult math problems that regular computers can't easily solve. But quantum computers could solve them quickly, putting private and secure data at risk.
Satellites might seem untouchable because they’re far above the Earth. But with technology becoming cheaper and more available, skilled hackers or rival nations could try to intercept their signals or send fake instructions. Attacks like these are already possible today.
That’s why experts around the world are working on a new type of digital protection, called post-quantum cryptography. These advanced systems are being developed to resist attacks from quantum computers. Some governments, like in the UK, have already set goals to switch all systems to this stronger security by 2035.
Unlike phones or laptops, satellites can’t be easily updated once they’re in space. That’s why it’s important for all new satellites to be built with quantum-safe protections from the beginning. This will also help as more satellites start working together in groups to support different services.
If we don’t act soon, future quantum computers might be able to read or change the data that satellites send. This could interrupt GPS, affect emergency responses, or even create security threats for entire countries.
To stop this from happening, scientists, engineers, governments, and global organizations must work together. The good news is that steps are already being taken. By preparing now, we can make sure our satellite systems stay secure in the quantum future.