Towards a global space-based QKD network

Jing Wang, Bernardo A. Huberman

We present a comprehensive literature review and comparative study on the deployment strategies of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks for global coverage. The state-of-the-art deployment strategies, including terrestrial QKD via optical fibers, free-space QKD via ground-based fixed links and ground-to-air dynamic links, as well as satellite QKD, are reviewed and compared in terms of channel loss, interference, distance limit, connection topology, and deployment cost. Selection criteria and deployment strategies are developed to enable a global coverage of QKD networks from intercontinental, long-haul to metro, and access networks.

Mario Siciliani de Cumis, Tanya Scalia, Alessandro Di Mezza +1 more

Jing Wang, Bernardo A. Huberman

We present a comprehensive literature review and comparative study on the deployment strategies of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks for global coverage. The state‐of‐the‐art deployment strategies, including terrestrial QKD via optical fibers, free‐space QKD via ground‐based fixed links and ground‐to‐air dynamic links, and satellite QKD, are reviewed and compared in terms of channel loss, interference, distance limit, connection topology, and deployment cost. Selection criteria and deployment strategies are developed to enable a global coverage of QKD networks from intercontinental, long‐haul, metro, to access networks.

Anne de Chastenet, Eric Augé, Gonzague Reydet +3 more

Robert Bedington, Alexander Ling, Md. Tanvirul Islam

Progress in realising quantum computers threatens to weaken existing public key encryption infrastructure. A global quantum key distribution (QKD) network can play a role in computational attack-resistant encryption. Such a network could use a constellation of high altitude platforms such as airships and satellites as trusted nodes to facilitate QKD between any two points on the globe on demand. This requires both space-to-ground and inter-platform links. However, the prohibitive cost of traditional satellite based development limits the experimental work demonstrating relevant technologies. To accelerate progress towards a global network, we use an emerging class of shoe-box sized spacecraft known as CubeSats. We have designed a polarization entangled photon pair source that can operate on board CubeSats. The robustness and miniature form factor of our entanglement source makes it especially suitable for performing pathfinder missions that studies QKD between two high altitude platforms. The technological outcomes of such mission would be the essential building blocks for a global QKD network.

Ramona Wolf