Quantum Communication Technologies for space systems

The scope of this topic is the development of the critical components and technologies necessary to build a space quantum key distribution system. Based on the principle that any component used to generate, store, transmit, receive, decode, or use quantum information is considered a critical component, the scope of this topic covers all the critical hardware and software components necessary for the quantum key distribution function to be implemented via a satellite payload, as well as the corresponding optical ground station. Proposals will consider both Prepare and Measure (P&M) and Entangled protocols. In addition, proposals should address the issue of standardisation for QKD space systems. Proposals should propose and implement the development of international space QKD standards in existing standardisation bodies working groups (e.g. (e.g. ETSI, European Telecommunications Standards Institute) or propose and implement the creation of new standardisation activities through the creation of additional working groups.

In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.