  The recent launch of the Micius quantum-enabled satellite heralds a major
step forward for long-range quantum communication. Using single-photon
discrete-variable quantum states, this exciting new development proves beyond
any doubt that all of the quantum protocols previously deployed over limited
ranges in terrestrial experiments can, in fact, be translated to global
distances via the use of low-orbit satellites. In this work, we survey the
imminent extension of space-based quantum communication to the
continuous-variable regime - the quantum regime perhaps most closely related to
classical wireless communications. The CV regime offers the potential for
increased communication performance and represents the next major step forward
for quantum communications and the development of the global quantum internet.
