Spain is set to become a global leader in quantum security with the upcoming launch of the QKD-GEO mission, a satellite designed to generate unhackable quantum keys. This initiative, backed by a budget of €103.5 million from European Recovery Funds, aims to establish the world’s first geostationary quantum key distribution system.
The QKD-GEO mission will integrate into the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure, facilitating secure information exchange through quantum nodes located in major cities. This innovative project promises to ensure that connections between individuals or entities remain private, impervious to interception even by quantum computers.
Utilizing hundreds of millions of photons per second, the system can instantly detect any attempts at eavesdropping, making it a formidable barrier against espionage. While fiber optics can also distribute quantum keys, their reach is limited to a few hundred kilometers due to light dispersion. In contrast, a geostationary satellite positioned at 36,786 kilometers can cover the entire planet, using a standard commercial satellite, such as one from Hispasat.
The satellite will be equipped with a high-precision telescope, a quantum random number generator, a source of polarized photons, a laser beacon, and a processor for generating keys and implementing communication protocols. Quantum keys will be transmitted to two optical stations, located 140 kilometers apart on the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, which will be equipped to receive photons sent from space.
Key players in this mission include Thales Alenia Space, Hispasat, and various Spanish and European companies such as Banco de Santander, BBVA, Telefónica, and Cellnex. The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), and the Universidade de Vigo are also involved in the technical framework.
Ismael López, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Spain, stated, “The QKD-GEO mission represents a significant technological challenge that will place the Spanish industry at the forefront of quantum communications from geostationary orbit, a completely pioneering effort worldwide.”
If successful, this project will lay the groundwork for the future of quantum internet, potentially transforming global communications. The QKD-GEO mission is currently in development, with plans for orbital deployment by 2028.