Imagine sending a secret message that is impossible to intercept because it uses the laws of physics instead of just a complex password. This project builds the specialized hardware—like high-tech light sources and memories—needed to send these secret keys from satellites to Earth. It's like building a secure, invisible bridge in space that keeps data safe even from the most powerful future computers.
Current encryption methods are vulnerable to future quantum computer attacks. There is a lack of space-qualified, compact hardware capable of distributing secure keys globally without relying on vulnerable terrestrial cables.
The project is building space-qualified 1550 nm entangled photon sources, Decoy State BB84 sources, photonic integrated circuits, quantum memories, and adaptive optics for ground stations.
If you are a network provider dealing with the threat of quantum computers breaking current encryption—this project developed space-qualified quantum sources that enable unconditionally secure key distribution. This allows you to offer a level of security that cannot be cracked by future computing power.
If you are a satellite manufacturer dealing with the need for secure onboard communication—this project developed compact, low-power entangled photon sources. These components can be integrated into satellites to create a global quantum network.
If you are a ground station operator dealing with signal loss during satellite-to-ground transmission—this project developed advanced adaptive optics and fiber-coupling systems. This ensures a stable and high-rate secure key exchange between space and terrestrial segments.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost figures for the components are not provided.
The project is currently in the design and validation phase, focusing on creating space-qualified prototypes and testing them in lab and field trials before full-scale industrialization.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project emphasizes European technological sovereignty and reliance on European suppliers.
The project period runs from 2024-01-01 to 2026-12-31, indicating that validation and field trials will occur within this window.
The project specifically develops fiber-coupling and adaptive optics systems to connect space-based QKD segments with terrestrial infrastructures.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 8 partners across 5 countries. With an industry ratio of 38% (including 3 industrial partners and 2 SMEs), there is a strong bridge between the 5 academic/research entities and the commercial market, ensuring that the developed quantum hardware is designed with industrial viability in mind.
Contact EREVNITIKO PANEPISTIMIAKO INSTITOUTO SYSTIMATON EPIKOINONION KAI YPOLOGISTON in Greece
Contact us to connect with the LaiQa consortium for early access to space-QKD specifications.
