In the strange field of quantum physics, quantum entanglement – what Einstein called "spooky action at a distance" – stands out as one of the most intriguing phenomena.

While a quantum internet is still some way off, if we want to make it work, it's going to require something other than optical fibres.

"In the future, our system could be part of a global quantum network transmitting quantum signals to receivers on Earth or on other spacecraft," says quantum physicist Aitor Villar, from the National University of Singapore.

That compactness is going to be crucial if we're going to use satellites as the foundation for future quantum communications.

"We hope that our work inspires the next wave of space-based quantum technology missions and that new applications and technologies can benefit from our experimental findings."