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IET conference proceedings.

HOGS: a ground platform for satellite and quantum research

Cameron Simmons, Andrew Green, Ross J. Donaldson

Published Aug 1, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a provably secure key growth protocol which is resistant to powerful decryption, including increasingly powerful quantum computers, by providing a mechanism to detect eavesdropping. Satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) has been demonstrated for providing long-distance and mobile QKD links, but so far has required large satellites. However, we anticipate that the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) is capable of demonstrating SatQKD from its partner 12U CubeSat (SPOQC, the space platform for optical quantum communications), and have developed a simulator to test the effects of link geometry and environment. This accounts for the high link loss (up to 50dB) and limited key rates (~100bits/s). To do so, HOGS must provide several support systems to maintain the satellite quantum link. By virtue of its large satellite-tracking telescope and support systems, HOGS can be an asset to a wide range of fields. The tools available for precise timing, fibre networking and satellite tracking lend themselves to research in optical communications, space engineering and quantum networking.

DOI
10.1049/icp.2025.2223

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Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a provably secure key growth protocol which is resistant to powerful decryption, including increasingly powerful quantum computers, by providing a mechanism to detect eavesdropping. Satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) has been demonstrated for providing long-distance and mobile QKD links, but so far has required large satellites. However, we anticipate that the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) is capable of demonstrating SatQKD from its partner 12U CubeSat (SPOQC, the space platform for optical quantum communications), and have developed a simulator to test the effects of link geometry and environment. This accounts for the high link loss (up to 50dB) and limited key rates (~100bits/s). To do so, HOGS must provide several support systems to maintain the satellite quantum link. By virtue of its large satellite-tracking telescope and support systems, HOGS can be an asset to a wide range of fields. The tools available for precise timing, fibre networking and satellite tracking lend themselves to research in optical communications, space engineering and quantum networking.
Satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution (QKD) has the potential to extend the reach of quantum secured communication to global scale. Taking the first step towards QKD using the UK quantum communication hub’s optical ground station (HOGS), this work presents results from a free-space QKD experiment conducted using the HOGS facility. A compact receiver module was integrated to HOGS and polarization encoded quantum bits, sent from a 2U QKD source, were detected, generating secret keys with total loss of up to 38 dB.
Due to the distance limitation of quantum communication via ground-based fibre networks, space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) is a viable solution to extend such networks over continental and, ultimately, over global distances. Compared to LEO, QKD from GEO would offer substantial advantages, i.e. large coverage, continuous link to ground stations (cloud cover limited), 24/24h operation (background limited), no tracking required, however, coming with large link losses seen the space-ground distance. TNO, together with Eutelsat and CGI-NL, performed a detailed study on the feasibility of QKD from GEO, including a high level system design of payload and ground segment. We conclude that QKD from GEO is technically feasible, and a favourable solution if the satellite needs to act as an untrusted node (that is, no security assumptions required for the space segment). However, the optimal solution, generating a higher value-for-money, is to use a hybrid system, implementing an untrusted and trusted mode BBM92 QKD protocol. In order to arrive at a minimum required secure bit rate of ~1 bit/s in untrusted mode, a 2x ~0.5m diameter telescope in the space segment is required with <0.25µrad pointing accuracy, a <1GHz entangled photon source, in combination with ~2m diameter telescopes on ground. Details on our assumptions and results and drawings of the high level system design will be presented, as well as the development roadmap describing the required technology improvements and building blocks for the overall hybrid approach, which is applicable to non-GEO applications as well.
A worldwide growing interest in fast and secure data communications pushes technology development along two lines. While fast communications can be realized using laser communications in fiber and free-space, inherently secure communications can be achieved using quantum key distribution (QKD). By combining both technologies in a single device, many synergies can be exploited, therefore reducing size, weight and power of future systems. In recent experiments we demonstrated quantum communications over large distances as well as between an aircraft and a ground station which proved the feasibility of QKD between moving partners. Satellites thus may be used as trusted nodes in combination with QKD receiver stations on ground, thereby enabling fast and secure communications on a global scale. We discuss the previous experiment with emphasis on necessary developments to be done and corresponding ongoing research work of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU). DLR is performing research on satellite and ground terminals for the high-rate laser communication component, which are enabling technologies for the QKD link. We describe the concept and hardware of three generations of OSIRIS (Optical High Speed Infrared Link System) laser communication terminals for low Earth orbiting satellites. The first type applies laser beam pointing solely based on classical satellite control, the second uses an optical feedback to the satellite bus and the third, currently being in design phase, comprises of a special coarse pointing assembly to control beam direction independent of satellite orientation. Ongoing work also targets optical terminals for CubeSats. A further increase of beam pointing accuracy can be achieved with a fine pointing assembly. Two ground stations will be available for future testing, an advanced stationary ground station and a transportable ground station. In parallel the LMU QKD source size will be reduced by more than an order of magnitude thereby simplifying its integration into future free-space optical communication links with CubeSats.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication technique which uses quantum mechanics to protect communications. To overcome large distances, it requires the use of quantum repeaters, which are still challenging nevertheless feasible, or Twin-Field-QKD (TF-QKD) technology, which has been demonstrated several years ago. As it develops and matures, quantum technology is expected to play an increasingly major role in networks. Satellite QKD enables secure communication between devices via both satellites and ground stations. The study explores the transmission of quantum encryption technology in space and presents an overview of cubesats and satellites that currently use quantum key distribution (QKD) technology.
Quantum key distribution (QKD), the technology to generate distant secure keys for later usage in secure communication, has become a mature topic since the 1980s. While terrestrial QKD over fiber networks is suitable for short-distance urban networks, QKD via satellites promises to gap the distance requirement on a global scale that limits terrestrial QKD. Satellite QKD requires the exchange of quantum states between a satellite and multiple ground stations. The goal is then to facilitate shared secret keys between the ground stations, which can then be relayed to users near the ground stations. The satellite usually carries the quantum sources as its payload and sends them to the ground station via a downlink. The QKD protocol is heavily influenced by the choice of the quantum source, with typically one of two types: approximate single photon source (such as a weak laser) or an entangled source. Similarly, the ground station must be equipped to receive, measure and process the quantum signals sent by the satellite. Although there are also reverse schemes, where the satellite acts as the receiver and the ground station as the sender, these schemes are less explored due to higher noise in the uplink and less engineering experience. As with any system containing a high heterogeneity, many different implementation schemes lead to a variety of optimized use cases based on different criteria. Satellite QKD carries the further complication that it must be adapted to international standards. In this paper we present different satellite and ground station architectures that lean on the developments in the projects EAGLE-1, QUBE, QuNET, RoGloQuaN, addressing different protocols, sources, satellite sizes and telescope sizes. We also discuss the need for agility and configuration of components in a heterogeneous environment.