For more on the quantum communications satellite, Professor Myungshik Kim from Imperial College London explained the significance of the launch.

"One is scientific reason. That is the quantum mechanics, which people thought was limited to a very small scale is becoming possible to very large scale. So that scientifically it is an exciting trial and experiment," he said.

"Secondly, for the information technology, it’s very important, because secure message is important, not only for defence and government reasons, but also finance, and to protect intellectual properties. So the secure communication is important in all parts of our society."

"Basically, there are no differences. But the information coded by the quantum mechanical way is much more fragile than information in a conventional way. So launch such a quantum machine into space, a very high level of technology is required."