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
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network5G
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physics
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer securitycryptography
- natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons
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Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
35122 Padova
Italy