Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Acta Astronautica

Modeling research of satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution constellations

Junyong Wang, Hongyu Chen, Zhencai Zhu

Published Jan 1, 2021• 15 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.12.039

Related papers

Simulating Delivery Times of Quantum Key Distributions in Satellite Constellations

Lucas Scherberger, Frank K. Schäfer, Martin Schimmerohn

IAF Space Communications and Navigation Symposium•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations

Dynamic Constellation Optimization for Quantum Key Distribution in LEO Satellite Networks

Thanh Phung Truong, Tung Son Do, Seongjin Choi +3 more

International Conference on Ubiquitous and Future Networks•Jul 1, 2026•0 citations

Networking Feasibility of Quantum Key Distribution Constellation Networks

Junyong Wang, Liang Chang, Hongyu Chen +1 more

Quantum key distribution constellation is the key to achieve global quantum networking. However, the networking feasibility of quantum constellation that combines satellite-to-ground accesses selection and inter-satellite routing is faced with a lack of research. In this paper, satellite-to-ground accesses selection is modeled as problems to find the longest paths in directed acyclic graphs. The inter-satellite routing is interpreted as problems to find a maximum flow in graph theory. As far as we know, the above problems are initially understood from the perspective of graph theory. Corresponding algorithms to solve the problems are provided. Although the classical discrete variable quantum key distribution protocol, i.e., BB84 protocol, is applied in simulation, the methods proposed in our paper can also be used to solve other secure key distributions. The simulation results of a low-Earth-orbit constellation scenario show that the Sun is the leading factor in restricting the networking. Due to the solar influence, inter-planar links block the network periodically and, thus, the inter-continental delivery of keys is restricted significantly.

Entropy•Feb 20, 2022•5 citations

Satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution

Sheng‐Kai Liao, Wenqi Cai, Wei-Yue Liu +31 more

arXiv:1707.00542•Nature•Aug 7, 2017•1,821 citations

Modelling of Satellite-Based Quantum Key Distribution

Pedro Muñoz Jiménez

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a fundamentally secure method for key exchange, grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics rather than computational complexity. As advancements in quantum computing threaten classical cryptographic systems (such as RSA) QKD presents itself as a crucial technology for future secure communications. Among the primary challenges for global-scale QKD is the limited range of optical fiber channels, making satellite-based free-space optical links an attractive alternative. QKD presents unique constraints related to the short and unreliable communication windows, due to atmospheric conditions and the presence of sunlight, which makes the real time operation of QKD constellations almost impossible. Traditional configurations offering instantaneous global coverage, such as Walker constellations, are not necessary for QKD networks and other constellation designs may be explored. In this work, we present as an alternative a two-height, single orbital plane constellation, which facilitates regular and extended inter-satellite visibility, enabling the constellation to function as a virtual trusted node and increasing network capacity and flexibility. The main technical contribution is the development of a simulation tool designed to evaluate and optimize satellite QKD constellations. The simulator allows researchers and mission planners to assess key generation rates and overall system performance, helping to reduce the risks, costs, and uncertainties involved in satellite deployment. Our approach provides a powerful framework for advancing the development of scalable and efficient global QKD networks.

•Jun 10, 2025•0 citations

QUARC: Quantum Research Cubesat—A Constellation for Quantum Communication

Luca Mazzarella, Christopher Lowe, David Lowndes +7 more

Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers future proof security based on fundamental laws of physics. Long-distance QKD spanning regions such as the United Kingdom (UK) may employ a constellation of satellites. Small satellites, CubeSats in particular, in low Earth orbit are a relatively low-cost alternative to traditional, large platforms. They allow the deployment of a large number of spacecrafts, ensuring greater coverage and mitigating some of the risk associated with availability due to cloud cover. We present our mission analysis showing how a constellation comprising 15 low-cost 6U CubeSats can be used to form a secure communication backbone for ground-based and metropolitan networks across the UK. We have estimated the monthly key rates at 43 sites across the UK, incorporating local meteorological data, atmospheric channel modelling and orbital parameters. We have optimized the constellation topology for rapid revisit and thus low-latency key distribution.

Cryptography•Feb 27, 2020•78 citations
Quantum key distribution constellation is the key to achieve global quantum networking. However, the networking feasibility of quantum constellation that combines satellite-to-ground accesses selection and inter-satellite routing is faced with a lack of research. In this paper, satellite-to-ground accesses selection is modeled as problems to find the longest paths in directed acyclic graphs. The inter-satellite routing is interpreted as problems to find a maximum flow in graph theory. As far as we know, the above problems are initially understood from the perspective of graph theory. Corresponding algorithms to solve the problems are provided. Although the classical discrete variable quantum key distribution protocol, i.e., BB84 protocol, is applied in simulation, the methods proposed in our paper can also be used to solve other secure key distributions. The simulation results of a low-Earth-orbit constellation scenario show that the Sun is the leading factor in restricting the networking. Due to the solar influence, inter-planar links block the network periodically and, thus, the inter-continental delivery of keys is restricted significantly.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a fundamentally secure method for key exchange, grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics rather than computational complexity. As advancements in quantum computing threaten classical cryptographic systems (such as RSA) QKD presents itself as a crucial technology for future secure communications. Among the primary challenges for global-scale QKD is the limited range of optical fiber channels, making satellite-based free-space optical links an attractive alternative. QKD presents unique constraints related to the short and unreliable communication windows, due to atmospheric conditions and the presence of sunlight, which makes the real time operation of QKD constellations almost impossible. Traditional configurations offering instantaneous global coverage, such as Walker constellations, are not necessary for QKD networks and other constellation designs may be explored. In this work, we present as an alternative a two-height, single orbital plane constellation, which facilitates regular and extended inter-satellite visibility, enabling the constellation to function as a virtual trusted node and increasing network capacity and flexibility. The main technical contribution is the development of a simulation tool designed to evaluate and optimize satellite QKD constellations. The simulator allows researchers and mission planners to assess key generation rates and overall system performance, helping to reduce the risks, costs, and uncertainties involved in satellite deployment. Our approach provides a powerful framework for advancing the development of scalable and efficient global QKD networks.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers future proof security based on fundamental laws of physics. Long-distance QKD spanning regions such as the United Kingdom (UK) may employ a constellation of satellites. Small satellites, CubeSats in particular, in low Earth orbit are a relatively low-cost alternative to traditional, large platforms. They allow the deployment of a large number of spacecrafts, ensuring greater coverage and mitigating some of the risk associated with availability due to cloud cover. We present our mission analysis showing how a constellation comprising 15 low-cost 6U CubeSats can be used to form a secure communication backbone for ground-based and metropolitan networks across the UK. We have estimated the monthly key rates at 43 sites across the UK, incorporating local meteorological data, atmospheric channel modelling and orbital parameters. We have optimized the constellation topology for rapid revisit and thus low-latency key distribution.