Imagine sending a secret message that is physically impossible to intercept because the laws of nature protect it. This project builds the hardware for satellites to act as secure couriers for these digital keys. It is like creating a cosmic lock and key system that cannot be picked by any computer, no matter how powerful.
Current digital encryption relies on mathematical complexity that can be broken by future powerful computers. This creates a massive security risk for global money transfers, medical data, and critical infrastructure control.
The project developed designs for seven key subsystems, including DV-QKD, CV-QKD, and Entangled Photon sources, as well as a satellite Pointing and Tracking system and an onboard 5G system.
If you are an investment bank dealing with high-value money transfers and commercial transactions — this project developed space-qualifiable QKD sources that ensure unconditional security for your data. This prevents adversaries from using advanced computing to steal financial keys.
If you are a network operator dealing with the need for secure global connectivity — this project developed a TRL6 onboard 5G system for QKD post-processing. This allows you to offer a premium, quantum-secured connectivity service to government clients.
If you are a utility provider dealing with the remote control of power grids — this project developed a TRL6 Pointing and Tracking system for satellites. This ensures a stable, secure link to prevent cyber-attacks on essential energy infrastructure.
Based on available project data, specific unit prices are not listed, but the EU has contributed EUR 4,328,845 to the development of these subsystems.
The project aims to define a roadmap towards TRL9, which is the final stage of industrial deployment for space systems.
Based on available project data, IP details are not specified, but the consortium includes 6 industry partners and 5 SMEs who are co-developing the designs.
The project period runs from 2023-01-01 to 2025-12-31, indicating a multi-year development cycle for space-grade hardware.
The project specifically includes the development of an onboard 5G system to support QKD post-processing and secured connectivity services.
The consortium is highly balanced for commercialization, featuring a 50% industry ratio with 6 industrial partners, including 5 SMEs. This mix of 3 universities and 3 research centers ensures that the theoretical quantum physics is directly translated into hardware by professional manufacturers across 5 European countries.
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