SAMOP 2023 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 34: Quantum Communication (joint session QI/Q)
Q 34.1: Invited Talk
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 14:30–15:00, B305
Qube and Qube-II – Towards Quantum Key Distribution with Small Satellites — •Lukas Knips for the Qube/Qube-II collaboration — Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Schellingstr. 4, D-80799 Munich, Germany — Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, D-85748 Garching, Germany — Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST), Schellingstr. 4, D-80799 Munich, Germany
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a provably secure method for distributing secret keys between two trusted parties over a quantum channel for symmetric cryptography. As demonstrated by the Chinese satellite MICIUS, exchange of a secure key between a satellite and an optical ground station is possible, thereby indeed enabling QKD on a global scale. While this large satellite demonstrated its feasibility, the QUBE missions are focussing on a more economic solution for global key exchange.
In this talk, I will start with an overview of the first QUBE satellite, a so-called CubeSat with a size of only 30×10×10 cm3 and consequently with severe limitations on available power and space. The satellite includes two different quantum state sources and a quantum random number generator and is now ready for launch. QUBE will test performance and space readiness of those components. QUBE-II, a second satellite, is currently being designed and will be able to exchange a key mainly thanks to a much larger optical telescope with an optical aperture of about 80 mm and to a full QKD post-processing over an optical data communication channel.