Europe is aiming to launch a know-how demonstration satellite for safe, quantum-encrypted communications in 2024, with a view to creating a bigger constellation.
The satellite, Eagle-1, would be the first space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) system for the European Union and will result in an ultrasecure communications community for Europe, in accordance with a statement from the European Area Company (ESA).
Eagle-1 will spend three years in orbit testing the applied sciences wanted for a brand new technology of safe communications. The satellite will display the “feasibility of quantum key distribution know-how — which makes use of the rules of quantum mechanics to distribute encryption keys in such a manner that any try and eavesdrop is instantly detected — throughout the EU utilizing a satellite-based system,” in accordance with ESA.
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ESA formally signed the contract for Eagle-1 with venture chief SES through the Worldwide Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris in late September. The Luxembourg-based firm will lead a consortium of greater than 20 European corporations to develop Eagle-1.
Eagle-1 is a small, low Earth orbit satellite, however “it is fairly vital, at round 300 kilograms [660 pounds] … and what’s vital is that it’s a very environment friendly satellite,” Elodie Viau, director of telecommunications and built-in functions at ESA, stated at a information convention at IAC.
The Eagle-1 satellite platform will probably be supplied by Italian firm SITAEL. It is going to carry a quantum-key payload constructed by Germany-based Tesat Spacecom and will probably be operated by SES. Firms from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Switzerland are additionally concerned within the venture.
“European safety and sovereignty in a future world of quantum computing is important to the success of Europe and its Member States,” Steve Collar, CEO of SES, stated within the assertion. He added that the objective is “to advance quantum communications and develop the Eagle-1 system to assist safe and sovereign European networks of the longer term.”
The venture is backed by Horizon Europe, the European Union’s key funding program for analysis and innovation, and ESA.
Though Eagle-1 will probably be Europe’s first sovereign QKD satellite, China launched the first dedicated quantum communications satellite, named Micius, in 2016.
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