Reports from space agencies or news outlets covering satellite launches

Thales Alenia and Hispasat Secure €104M for Two-Year Geostationary Quantum Encryption System

Jan 22, 2025, 03:46 AM

Thales Alenia Space and Hispasat have secured €104 million in European funding to develop the world's first geostationary quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This mission, set to last two years, aims to enhance secure communications by leveraging quantum technology to distribute encryption keys from geostationary orbit. Unlike terrestrial fiber-optic networks, which are limited in range and speed, the QKD-GEO platform will enable continuous, long-distance secure communication without requiring complex signal-tracking systems. The initiative builds on previous low Earth orbit quantum communication projects and positions European industry at the forefront of quantum communications. Hispasat CEO Miguel Panduro stated that the establishment of encryption keys through a quantum protocol represents a paradigm shift for secure communications. The project is backed by Spain and supported by European COVID-19 recovery funds. The QKD payload will be hosted on a Hispasat satellite, with associated ground segment development included in the contract. This initiative represents a significant step forward in quantum-secured communications.