B
Thales Alenia Space and Hispasat have announced the start of the development phase for QKD-GEO, the world’s first quantum key distribution (QKD) system from geostationary orbit. Funded by the Spanish government through the PERTE Aeroespacial initiative and managed by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI), the project aims to establish unhackable ground-to-orbit encryption keys, securing communications against future quantum threats.
QKD-GEO represents a significant advancement in secure communications, leveraging the quantum properties of photons to ensure the integrity of transmitted data. Unlike fiber-optic systems, which are limited to short distances, geostationary satellites can provide continuous, continent-wide coverage without signal attenuation. The system includes a quantum payload hosted on a geostationary satellite and a ground segment with optical stations and an operations center.
The project, with a budget of €103.5 million ($127.56 million USD), will undergo field tests with a 140-km atmospheric link between the islands of La Palma and Tenerife. Thales Alenia Space leads a consortium of Spanish and European companies, while Hispasat is responsible for mission design and business planning. The initiative aligns with the European Commission’s EuroQCI program, aiming to integrate quantum communication nodes across the EU.
Ismael López, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Spain, emphasized the project’s pioneering nature: “QKD-GEO places Spanish industry at the forefront of global quantum communications.” Miguel Ángel Panduro, CEO of Hispasat, highlighted the transformative potential of quantum technology in secure communications.
For more information, visit Thales Alenia Space’s press release here.
January 23, 2025
Leave A Comment