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Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition

QUBE – Towards Quantum Key Distribution with Small Satellites

Lukas Knips, Michael Auer, Adomas Baliuka, Ömer Bayraktar, Peter Freiwang, Matthias Grünefeld, Roland Haber, Norbert M. K. Lemke, Christoph Marquardt, Florian Moll, Jonas Pudelko, Benjamin Rödiger, Klaus Schilling, Christopher C. Schmidt, Harald Weinfurter

Published Jan 1, 2022• 21 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in space will be integral for future quan-tum networks. The space mission QUBE will test novel integrated optics components in a three-unit CubeSat demonstrating an economic route for global-scale QKD.
DOI
10.1364/quantum.2022.qth3a.6

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•Jan 1, 2018•20 citations
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a method to securely share secret keys between two parties via a quantum channel. Our QUBE mission [1], launched in summer 2024, is a pathfinder mission to test the suitability of components for economic global-scale QKD based on CubeSats. QUBE and its successor QUBE-II [1]–[3] are joint research projects by the German Aerospace Center Institute of Communications and Navigation (DLR-IKN), the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL), Zentrum fur Telematik (ZfT), OHB System AG, and the Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU).
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables the secure distribution of secret keys for cryptographic purposes between two trusted parties over a quantum channel. For reaching global-scale quantum key distribution, satellite-based approaches are most promising as already demonstrated by the Chinese MICIUS mission. Here, we summarize our efforts in building a very compact QKD sender unit featuring polarization-encoded BB84 with weak coherent pulses. The unit is suitable for deployment in cube satellites such as our missions QUBE and QUBE-II which aim to demonstrate that affordable and scalable key distribution is possible in the near future.
The QUBE-I mission is a technology demonstrator mission for novel building-blocks for satellite-based quantum-key-distribution (QKD). The mission aims to test three highly integrated optical payloads, a quantum random number generator and two transmitters for polarization and phase encoded quantum states as a precursor mission for the first QKD demonstration from a CubeSat. The QKD sources are connected to, and are integrated together with the Optical Space Infrared Downlink System (OSIRIS) for QUBE (O4Q) in a 3U CubeSat. One of the mission's primary challenges is achieving a precise and accurate pointing of the O4Q with an error margin of less than 1° towards the optical ground station (OGS). Additionally, conducting the experiments presents several operational challenges, such as the need for precise orbital elements to track the satellite with the OGS and safety mechanisms to protect the Sunsensitive components of the satellite. Following the launch on 16th August 2024, we conducted an extensive commissioning phase to test all subsystems, payload components, and operational procedures. This paper provides insights and results from QUBE-I's first year in orbit, highlighting lessons learned from integrating multiple complex payload systems into a 3U CubeSat platform. Starting with communication establishment, we present the ground segment and operations capabilities. We elaborate on the use of flexible on-board scripting and recording mechanisms provided by the satellite's flight software stack for operations. An effective review, test, and deployment procedure was established to balance risk mitigation and agile operation planning. We present results of extensive tests conducted for the crucial attitude determination and control system (ADCS), including actuator verification, spin-up and detumbling tests, in-orbit sensor calibration procedures, and the evaluation of various pointing modes, such as the fine pointing mode required for the experiments. Besides that, we give insights in the actual performance of the experimental and scientific payloads after their commissioning. A big milestone marked the successful test of the operational procedure for the QKD experiments. This includes the timely provision of precise orbit determination to the OGS for tracking. In addition, the ADCS needs to prepare the fine pointing mode accordingly and the experiment needs to be started autonomously before actual contact. Flexibly selectable on-board recordings can be downloaded after the experiments for evaluation. As expected, the technical complexity of the QUBE-I mission resulted in a challenging first year of operation. With this paper, we aim to share our experiences and contribute our insights to the space community.
In a world of global satellite communication networks, it is crucial to ensure the security of these data links. QUBE is a project that will develop and launch a CubeSat for the downlink of strongly attenuated light pulses, with encoded quantum information, which can be used for the exchange of encryption keys. This 3U Pico-Satellite will be built using the UNISEC-Europe standard, which has been proven to provide a robust framework for increased reliability for CubeSat missions. In addition to advanced reaction wheels for precision pointing, the satellite will be carrying the DLR-OSIRIS optical downlink system as well as dedicated payloads for testing components required for quantum key distribution. A miniaturized quantum random number generator (QRNG) will create a sequence of numbers, which can be used to set the quantum states of the light. The light pulses will then be downlinked to the optical ground station at DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, which is equipped with the corresponding components for receiving the quantum states. Additionally, the random numbers will partially be made available via an RF downlink. This will allow evaluating the link loss as well as the noise and errors in the transmission of quantum signals. In QKD, due to the underlying quantum mechanics, any attempt of reading the quantum states will alter them, which makes interceptions easily detectable. The quantum communication experiments will evaluate whether secure communication links are possible even on a CubeSat scale. A major challenge for building the required CubeSat is the attitude determination and control system that will provide precise pointing. This work will outline detailed mission requirements as well as the chosen subsystems for tackling these challenges in order to deliver a successful mission.