biostudies-literatureLiu HYNational Key R&D Program of ChinaNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaKey R&D Program of Guangdong ProvinceExcellent Research Program of Nanjing University921-928https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8446934biostudies-literatureUnknown7(5)Satellites have shown free-space quantum-communication ability; however, they are orbit-limited from full-time all-location coverage. Meanwhile, practical quantum networks require satellite constellations, which are complicated and expensive, whereas the airborne mobile quantum communication may be a practical alternative to offering full-time all-location multi-weather coverage in a cost-effective way. Here, we demonstrate the first mobile entanglement distribution based on drones, realizing multi-weather operation including daytime and rainy nights, with a Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt S-parameter measured to be 2.41 ± 0.14 and 2.49 ± 0.06, respectively. Such a system shows unparalleled mobility, flexibility and reconfigurability compared to the existing satellite and fiber-based quantum coNational science reviewDrone-based entanglement distribution towards mobile quantum networks.PMC84469342018B03032900111674169ZYJH0025189086191321312116210912017YFA0303700Hu XXie ZFan PLu YQZhang JNTian XHGu CLiu HYGuo JCao XNi XZhu SNHu MZhao GYang RGong YXfalseDrone-based entanglement distribution towards mobile quantum networks.Satellites have shown free-space quantum-communication ability; however, they are orbit-limited from full-time all-location coverage. Meanwhile, practical quantum networks require satellite constellations, which are complicated and expensive, whereas the airborne mobile quantum communication may be a practical alternative to offering full-time all-location multi-weather coverage in a cost-effective way. Here, we demonstrate the first mobile entanglement distribution based on drones, realizing multi-weather operation including daytime and rainy nights, with a Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt S-parameter measured to be 2.41 ± 0.14 and 2.49 ± 0.06, respectively. Such a system shows unparalleled mobility, flexibility and reconfigurability compared to the existing satellite and fiber-based quantum co2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 May2025-04-22T03:11:14.414Z2025-04-05T20:41:13.825ZS-EPMC84469343469153510.1093/nsr/nwz227