QKD System "Quantum Key Distribution"
The Public Procurement of Innovation initiative of the QKD System "Quantum Key Distribution" refers to the pre-commercial contracting of R&D services for the development of innovative solutions involving the development of two prototypes of satellite payloads (GEO and LEO) and their associated land segments for quantum key distribution.
This initiative is aligned with Action 8 of the PERTE Aerospace.
ACT8 - Satellite and terrestrial systems for quantum communications: Development of the space technological capabilities necessary 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 of Spain in particular, is digitalization.
An essential element of communications is its 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 secured through quantum key distribution. This is considered one of the emerging technologies for key transmission that offer greater security.
The Euro-QCI will deploy the first quantum communications nodes in several countries of the Union. Initially, the nodes will have metropolitan reach and satellite connection. Digital Quantum Technologies are a top priority for the European Commission, which has already launched other ambitious pancontinental initiatives, especially the European Quantum Technologies Flagship (Euro-QTF). In the European Union environment, in relation to 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 government settings. 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 posed
The technological challenge is to develop innovative solutions that involve the development of two prototypes of experimental payloads and their associated land segments that will constitute complete end-to-end systems of generation and quantum key distribution (QKD), all with a view to the future offer of secure communications services by Public Administrations and other operators.
Given that these systems are not currently commercially available, the technological challenge is presented of the development of new necessary elements, as well as the adaptation to the spatial environment of 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 distilling of keys received by quantum channel, among others. In addition, a new ground segment will be needed to control and manage the innovative quantum key distribution service and its potential integration into the future European Euro-QCI network.
In particular, this contract aims to develop two payloads and their associated ground segments: one destined to be embarked on a geostationary satellite (GEO) and another destined to be embarked on a low-orbit satellite (LEO).
Tender CPP 02/2023 AB (DG/OCIE)
The milestones of the QKD System initiative are as follows:
- Certification of Phase I of Lot 2 "LEO Mission" - the certification of Phase I of Lot 2 "LEO Mission" of the QKD System, design phase, of the different awardees has been published in the Public Sector Contracting Platform (PLACSP) - [1 August 2024]
- Formalization of the Lot 2 Contract "LEO Mission" - The formalization of the Lot 2 Contract "LEO Mission" of the QKD System has been published in the Public Sector Contracting Platform (PLACSP) - [27 February 2024]
- Contract Formalization of Lot 1 "GEO Mission" - The formalization of the Lot 1 "GEO Mission" Contract of the QKD System has been published in the Public Sector Contracting Platform (PLACSP) - [11 February 2024]
- Adjudication - The adjudication of the QKD System is published in the Public Sector Contracting Platform (PLACSP) - [30 January 2024]
- Tender - The tender for the QKD System is published in the Public Sector Contracting Platform (PLACSP): Tender documents - [21 September 2023]
This initiative is financed with funds from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism.
