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Quantum Cryptography Satellite Gets 2024 Launch Date

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LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 26, 2022 — A consortium of 20 European companies led by Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications network provider SES SA, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission, will design, develop, launch, and operate a satellite system that will enable secure quantum key distribution (QKD) based on free space optical communication technologies. The EAGLE-1 satellite-based system will be capable of in-orbit validation and seeks to usher in next-generation cybersecurity across Europe. The EAGLE-1 satellite is due to launch in 2024 and will then complete three years of in-orbit mission supported by the European Commission.

For the project, SES will build the space-based QKD system, developing and operating the dedicated low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite. The satellite is to be supported by an operations center in Luxembourg.

SES is leading a consortium of 20 European companies that, with the help of the European Space Agency and the European Commission, will help develop satellite-based quantum key distribution. Courtesy of SES.


SES is leading a consortium of 20 European companies that, with the help of the European Space Agency and the European Commission, will help develop satellite-based quantum key distribution. Courtesy of SES. 

Using the EAGLE-1 system, ESA and the European Union (EU) member states will achieve the first step to demonstrate and validate QKD technologies from LEO to the ground, according to SES. The EAGLE-1 project will provide mission data for next-generation quantum communication infrastructures (QCIs).

This data, according to SES, will contribute, for example, to  EU plans to deploy a sovereign, autonomous, cross-border quantum secure communications networks.

During the EAGLE-1's operational phase, the satellite will allow EU governments and institutions, as well as critical business sectors, early access to long-distance QKD to pave the way toward an EU constellation enabling ultrasecure data transmissions.

To implement the ultrasecure cryptographic key exchange system of EAGLE-1, the consortium will develop the QKD payload, terrestrial optical station, scalable quantum operational networks, and key management system to interface with national QCIs.


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Published: September 2022
Glossary
quantum
The term quantum refers to the fundamental unit or discrete amount of a physical quantity involved in interactions at the atomic and subatomic scales. It originates from quantum theory, a branch of physics that emerged in the early 20th century to explain phenomena observed on very small scales, where classical physics fails to provide accurate explanations. In the context of quantum theory, several key concepts are associated with the term quantum: Quantum mechanics: This is the branch of...
quantum key distribution
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a method of secure communication that utilizes principles from quantum mechanics to establish a shared secret key between two parties, typically referred to as Alice and Bob, while detecting any potential eavesdropping attempts by a third party, commonly known as Eve. The fundamental principle behind QKD is the use of quantum properties, such as the superposition principle and the no-cloning theorem, to enable the distribution of cryptographic keys in a...
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