A Present from China While Russia is threatening to blow up the GPS satellites, China has taken a different tack. Like Russia, they have their own anti-satellite capabilities and a GPS alternative called BeiDou. Officially commissioned last year, BeiDou consists of 30 satellites with advanced technologies including optical links to "improve their satnav accuracy." China is now offering access to BeiDou including free receivers, starting with a recently announced "win-win cooperation" with the Arab States. Experts believe this is "part of their larger Belt and Road initiative" and "an indication of China’s ascension in the world". Space Capital and Silicon Valley Bank released "The GPS Playbook", a report on how this "space-based technology generated the largest venture outcomes in history."
The National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board held their annual meeting. Former CIA Director of Russia Analysis and "The Russia Trap" author George Beebe presented insights on how GPS "influence geopolitics and historical examples of how technology imbalances can spark wars."
US funding for quantum initiatives is expected to grow to $877 million in FY2022, based on a proposal from the U.S. National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). In addition, the recently passed Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act provides more than $30 billion for new research and development (R&D), while the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act would increase defense R&D funding to $118 billion.
One day there will be a quantum internet, and it will be space-based.
New video posts: QURECA Quantum Pitch Competition 2021 Highlights and Quantum.Tech Different Approaches to Getting Started on your Quantum Journey
Previously we highlighted online quantum and timing and synchronization resources. Here are some quantum communication articles for your holiday reading list:
Quantum Tech Made Simple, blog post by Xairos' Quantum Scientist Freya Wilson
Explainer: What is Quantum Communication?, MIT Technology Review
And if you need a stocking stuffer, here are some good introductory books about quantum physics:
Through Two Doors at Once, by Anil Ananthaswamy
The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics, by Leonard Susskind