QKD-GEO Mission: Spain’s Leap into Quantum Communications with Global Security Impact

QKD-GEO Mission: Spain’s Leap into Quantum Communications with Global Security Impact

(IN BRIEF) The QKD-GEO mission, led by Thales Alenia Space and Hispasat, is a pioneering project aimed at developing unbreakable quantum key distribution from geostationary orbit. This initiative, supported by EU recovery funds, seeks to revolutionize secure communications by using quantum technologies to prevent decryption by quantum computers. With a 24-month development timeline, the mission will implement advanced payloads and ground infrastructure, ensuring secure communication over vast distances. Spain’s involvement in this project also places it at the forefront of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure initiative.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 22-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The QKD-GEO mission is set to be the most advanced civil quantum key distribution (QKD) project in the world, aiming to establish unbreakable communication systems from geostationary orbit. This groundbreaking initiative will create ground-orbit keys that are immune to even the most advanced quantum computers, addressing the growing need for secure communications in both civilian and military applications. The project, backed by European Union recovery funds under the PERTE Aeroespacial program, will position Spain as a leader in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), a vital part of the EU’s strategy to secure its communications.

Thales Alenia Space in Spain is leading the QKD-GEO mission, in collaboration with Hispasat, the Spanish satellite operator, and a consortium of Spanish and European companies. The mission’s core objective is to develop and launch a quantum key distribution system from geostationary orbit, which will allow for the secure transmission of encryption keys over vast distances, revolutionizing communication security.

The advent of quantum computers presents a major challenge to current encryption methods, as they are capable of breaking traditional cryptography almost instantly. To address this, quantum key distribution offers a new paradigm, using the unique properties of photons to secure information. Unlike fiber-optic cables, which are limited in range, satellites offer a far-reaching solution for secure communication. The QKD-GEO mission will utilize geostationary satellites positioned at an altitude of 36,786 km to ensure global coverage without the need for complex signal tracking systems.

Spanning a period of 24 months, the QKD-GEO project involves the development of a quantum payload to be hosted on a geostationary satellite, along with the necessary ground segment infrastructure. The payload will feature a high-precision telescope, quantum random number generator, polarized photon signal source, laser beacon, and a processor for key generation and communication protocols. The ground segment will include optical stations equipped with telescopes to receive photons and extract the keys, along with an operations center to monitor and manage the system.

To validate the system, a series of field tests will be conducted with a 140-km atmospheric link between the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, ensuring that the technology functions as intended before the full-scale satellite deployment.

The QKD-GEO project is a collaboration between multiple organizations, including Thales Alenia Space in France and Switzerland, and academic institutions such as the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and the University of Vigo. Hispasat plays a pivotal role in designing the mission and defining the business plan, with support from major companies like Banco de Santander and Telefónica to explore real-world use cases.

The successful implementation of QKD-GEO will significantly contribute to the European Commission’s EuroQCI initiative, which aims to deploy quantum communication nodes across the EU, enhancing the security and resilience of critical communications infrastructure. Spain’s involvement in this project highlights its key role in shaping the future of secure global communications.

Ismael López, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Spain, stated, “The QKD-GEO mission is a great technological challenge that will place Spain at the forefront of quantum communications from geostationary orbit, a technology poised to revolutionize communication security in the coming years.” Miguel Ángel Panduro, CEO of Hispasat, emphasized the importance of positioning Spain as a global leader in quantum technology, noting, “The establishment of encryption keys through quantum protocols will shift the paradigm of secure communications, with space infrastructure playing a crucial role.”

About Hispasat

Hispasat, the communications satellite operator of Redeia, is the main driver of innovation in the Spanish aerospace sector and works with the aim of helping citizens overcome the challenges of broadband internet connection to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainable development in society. It serves as a communications bridge between Europe and America as a provider of broadband and connectivity services. Additionally, it leads the broadcast and distribution of audiovisual content in Spanish and Portuguese languages.

About Thales Alenia Space

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries, with 16 sites in Europe.

www.thalesaleniaspace.com

Media Contact:

Tel: +33 (0) 1 57 77 80 00

SOURCE: Thales