Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to securing communications in an era where traditional encryption faces growing threats. While ground-based QKD systems using fiber optic networks have demonstrated the technology’s potential, they face inherent limitations as fiber infrastructure can easily be sabotaged. Satellite-based quantum key distribution offers an alternative path, using space-based platforms to distribute encryption keys across vast distances without the constraints of terrestrial fiber networks. A UK-led collaboration is now advancing this approach through the development of compact ultraviolet-based quantum key distribution systems designed to work over intersatellite links.
The intersatellite Deep Ultraviolet Quantum Keys (i-DUQK) project aims to develop specialized technologies necessary to create a compact, space-compatible ultra-violet quantum key distribution (UV-QKD) transmitter. This project follows a successful feasibility study led by the @University of Strathclyde through the UK Space Agency’s Enabling Technology Programme. UV hold great promise as sources for QKD. Compared to laser sources, they offer a small size, weight and power footprint, remarkable temperature stability, and they enable access to operation at UV wavelengths which has several advantages particularly for inter-satellite links
The current initiative is a broad collaboration between:
University of Strathclyde, University of Bristol, University of York, and University of Bath, alongside Fraunhofer UK. This partnership builds on a history of collaboration through the National Space Technology Programme (NSTP) and the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP). Furthermore, these institutions are involved in major missions such as the UK’s Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications (SPOQC) mission, which aims to demonstrate satellite QKD from a CubeSat in 2026.
As global communications become increasingly critical to modern society, the security of these networks faces mounting challenges from both sophisticated cyber threats and physical vulnerabilities in terrestrial infrastructure. The development of compact ultraviolet-based quantum key distribution systems for satellite deployment addresses both concerns, offering a path to distribute encryption keys across vast distances without reliance on vulnerable fiber networks. By bringing together expertise from multiple UK universities and research institutions, this collaborative effort is contributing to an infrastructure for secure communications that operates beyond the reach of terrestrial sabotage. The transition from laboratory demonstration to operational capability is already underway, with CubeSat missions planned for this year to validate quantum encryption in orbit.
#QuantumKeyDistribution #Cybersecurity
Image Credit: DLR – Satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution
Reference
Scottish space innovation secures UK Space Agency investment https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scottish-space-innovation-secures-uk-space-agency-investment
The Hub’s SPOQC mission
Ultraviolet Micro-Light-Emitting Diodes for Satellite Quantum Key Distribution