QKD system "Quantum Key Distribution"
The QKD System Public Procurement of Innovation initiative “Quantum Key Distribution” refers to the pre-commercial procurement of R&D services for the development of innovative solutions involving the development of two prototype satellite payloads (GEO and LEO) and their associated ground segments for quantum key distribution.
This initiative is aligned with Action 8 of the Aerospace PERTE. ACT8 - Satellite and ground systems for quantum communications: Development of the necessary space technology capabilities for the development of the first geostationary satellite with quantum keys for resilient institutional communications in the national and European framework.
Need raised by a Public Administration
The Aerospace PERTE, in its “ACT8-Satellite and terrestrial systems for quantum communications” states that one of the priorities of modern economies, specifically of the European Union in general and Spain in particular, is digitalization.
An essential element of communications is their security, necessary to preserve data privacy, as well as the security and continuity of supply in critical infrastructures: energy, water, transport or the Internet itself. In response to this need, the European Commission will launch the European Quantum Communications Infrastructure (Euro-QCI) with cybersecurity assured by quantum key distribution. This is considered one of the most secure emerging technologies for key transmission.
Euro-QCI will deploy the first quantum communications nodes in several countries of the Union. Initially the nodes will be metropolitan in scope and connected via satellite. Quantum Digital Technologies are a top priority for the European Commission, which has already launched other ambitious pan-continental initiatives, notably the European Quantum Technologies Flagship (Euro-QTF). In the European Union environment, in connection with this aspect of PERTE, progress is also being made in the development of a Secure Satellite Communications System. This system will consist of a multi-orbit constellation for the provision of secure satellite communications in various governmental domains. The satellite component of the Euro QCI system will be integrated into this initiative.
In this European context, Spain is no stranger to these initiatives that cover its own national and community security needs.
The technological challenge raised
The technological challenge is to develop innovative solutions involving the development of two prototypes of experimental payloads and their associated ground segments that will constitute complete end-to-end quantum key generation and distribution (QKD) systems, all with a view to the future offer of secure communications services by Public Administrations and other operators.
Since these systems are not currently commercially available, there is the technological challenge of developing the necessary new elements, as well as adapting technologies such as photon sources; quantum generators of true random numbers; telescopes for optical communications compatible with the transmission of quantum states; processors for the distillation of keys received by quantum channel, among others, to the space environment. A new ground segment will also be required to control and manage the innovative quantum key distribution service and its potential integration into the future European Euro-QCI network.
Specifically, this contract is for the development of two payloads and their associated ground segments: one to be loaded on a geostationary satellite (GEO) and the other to be loaded on a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
Tender CPP 02/2023 AB (DG/OCIE)
The highlights of the initiative of QKD System are as follows:
- Formalization of the contract of the batch 2 "LEO" Mission- has been published in the Platform for Recruitment of the public Sector (PLACSP) the formalization of the contract of the batch 2 "Mission LEO" QKD system- [February 27, 2024]
- Formalization of The Contract of the lot 1 "GEO" Mission- has been published in the Platform for Recruitment of the public Sector (PLACSP) the formalization of the contract of the lot 1 "Mission GEO" QKD system- [February 11, 2024]
- Award- has been published in the Platform for Recruitment of the public Sector (PLACSP) award of QKD System [January 30, 2024]
- Tender- has been published in the Platform for Recruitment of the public Sector (PLACSP) tendering QKD system: The tender solicitation documents- [September 21, 2023]
This initiative is funded with funds from the Mechanism for the recovery and resilience.
