Intercontinental Quantum Key Distribution via the QEYSSat mission

Quantum communication allows for unconditionally safe encryption of messages between communicating parties. In terrestrial networks, communication distances are limited to 100s of km due to fibre loss. The currently best option to overcome this limitation and enable quantum communication and networking on a global scale is to exchange quantum light between ground stations and satellites.

In this project, our team will conduct intercontinental quantum key distribution between metropolitan networks in the UK and Canada. This will be achieved by exchanging entangled photons from an established optical ground station terminal near Heriot-Watt University to the Canadian QEYSSat low-earth orbit satellite launched in Q4 2024 by the Canadian QEYSSat consortium which is led by the University of Waterloo and include the Canadian Space Agency and Honeywell Canada.

The project leverages significant investments in the UK quantum space infrastructure, and complements UK-funded cubesat missions SPOQC and SPEQTRE, which will provide quantum downlinks to local ground stations. QEYSSat will allow for quantum uplinks from the ground, establishing the ground station as a true quantum internet node that can be accessed by our industry stakeholders.`