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International Conference on Recent Advances in Space Technologies

Optimization of Optical Design and Pointing Error Constraints for Low-Orbit Satellite Based Entanglement Quantum Key Distribution

Elif Türkan Akşit Kaya, Mustafa Doğan, Kadir Durak, Özgür Karcı

Published May 1, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1109/rast69551.2026.11672594

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Optical quantum communication utilizing satellite platforms has the potential to extend the reach of quantum key distribution (QKD) from terrestrial limits of ∼200 km to global scales. We have developed a thorough numerical simulation using realistic simulated orbits and incorporating the effects of pointing error, diffraction, atmosphere and telescope design, to obtain estimates of the loss and background noise which a satellite-based system would experience. Combining with quantum optics simulations of sources and detection, we determine the length of secure key for QKD, as well as entanglement visibility and achievable distances for fundamental experiments. We analyse the performance of a low Earth orbit satellite for downlink and uplink scenarios of the quantum optical signals. We argue that the advantages of locating the quantum source on the ground justify a greater scientific interest in an uplink as compared to a downlink. An uplink with a ground transmitter of at least 25 cm diameter and a 30 cm receiver telescope on the satellite could be used to successfully perform QKD multiple times per week with either an entangled photon source or with a weak coherent pulse source, as well as perform long-distance Bell tests and quantum teleportation. Our model helps to resolve important design considerations such as operating wavelength, type and specifications of sources and detectors, telescope designs, specific orbits and ground station locations, in view of anticipated overall system performance.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a potential mitigation against quantum computation advances that threaten currently deployed public key cryptosystems. QKD is also a precursor to large-scale quantum communications and the quantum internet. Terrestrial direct transmission of quantum photonic signals is restricted by optical fibre exponential absorption, hence space-based systems have been proposed for intercontinental distribution of quantum keys with lower-loss free-space transmission through vacuum. However, challenges remain for the practical deployment of satellite QKD (SatQKD) such as weather, background light, and terminal deployment. In particular, the short transmission time inherent in low Earth orbit satellite QKD and finite statistical uncertainty can limit secure key generation. Here we illustrate the analysis of these effects and some practical engineering design and operational constraints on key length using the Satellite Quantum Modelling and Analysis (SatQuMA) software package being developed for satellite quantum communications research.