Project description
Towards a European network of satellites for quantum key distribution
Quantum key distribution (QKD), or quantum cryptography, uses quantum physics to generate and exchange secret ‘keys’ known only to the two parties sharing them. It will enable the future interoperability of quantum communication networks and help prepare for threats that quantum computers will expose. QKD requires a satellite network to allow the sharing of the random keys. The EU-funded QUDICE project will develop the components and subsystems for space-based QKD to enable a European network of satellites providing QKD services. The project plans to validate and demonstrate the technologies in a relevant environment, delivering a roadmap toward achieving an actual system in an operational environment.
Objective
The protection of sensitive information is of crucial importance in our society: the security of money transfer, commercial transactions, medical data, remote control of critical infrastructures (power grid, telecom etc.) are key assets for EU citizens. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising solution to protect digital communications, guaranteeing unconditional security based on the laws of quantum mechanics rather than on the computation capability of an adversary. QKD requires a satellite network to allow the sharing of random keys between two legitimate users at the European scale. The main target of QUDICE is the development of the components and subsystems for quantum communication and optical systems for space-based QKD enabling the realization of a European network of satellites with quantum key distribution as the main service. Specific objectives of the project include:
- the development of a TRL6 space-qualifiable source for discrete variable (DV) QKD
- the development of a TRL5-6 space-qualifiable Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG)
- the development of a TRL6 space-qualifiable satellite Pointing and Tracking (PAT) system
- the development of a TRL5-6 space-qualifiable Entangled Photon Source (EPS)
- the development of a TRL5-6 space-qualifiable Continuous Variable (CV) QKD source
- the development of a TRL6 space-qualifiable onboard 5G system for QKD post-processing support and QKD-secured connectivity service
- the development of simulations and testbeds to assess quantum satellite communications components
- the definition of the roadmap towards TRL9 for the developed systems
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications telecommunications networks mobile network 5G
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.4 - Digital, Industry and Space
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.4.10 - Space, including Earth Observation
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL4-2021-SPACE-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
35122 PADOVA
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.