Space quantum communication networks

Duncan McArthur; Jasminder Sidhu; Colin Aitken; Owain Pryce-Jones; Mark Bowyer; Markus Krutzik; Mustafa Gündogan; Daniel K.L. Oi

doi:10.1117/12.3040186

Space quantum communication networks

Duncan McArthur, Jasminder Sidhu, Colin Aitken, Owain Pryce-Jones, Mark Bowyer, Markus Krutzik, Mustafa Gündogan, Daniel K.L. Oi^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review

Abstract

Satellite constellations have the potential for enabling globe-spanning quantum networks for secure communication, entanglement distribution, and eventually the quantum internet. The architecture, design, and operation of such space quantum networks face several challenges, from scheduling, performance analysis and optimization, and overcoming issues such as weather effects. Here, we summarise recent research into constellation design, optimization, and the incorporation of quantum memories and repeaters in space quantum communication links. These preliminary works offer guidance for future development efforts for long-term space quantum communication systems.

Original language	English
Article number	1339102
Journal	Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume	13391
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3040186
Publication status	Published - 19 Mar 2025
Event	Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation V 2025 - San Francisco, United States Duration: 25 Jan 2025 → 30 Jan 2025

Funding

All authors acknowledge support from the EPSRC International Network in Space Quantum Technologies (EP/W027011/1). DKLO and DM acknowledge support from the Innovate UK project ViSatQT (Project number: 43037). DKLO and JS acknowledge support from the EPSRC Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Communication (EP/T001011/1).

Keywords

cryptography
quantum networks
quantum-key-distribution (QKD)
satellite communication

Access to Document

10.1117/12.3040186

McArthur-etal-2025-SPIE-Space-quantum-communication-networks
Copyright © 2025 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.
Final published version, 10.2 MB

Cite this

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abstract = "Satellite constellations have the potential for enabling globe-spanning quantum networks for secure communication, entanglement distribution, and eventually the quantum internet. The architecture, design, and operation of such space quantum networks face several challenges, from scheduling, performance analysis and optimization, and overcoming issues such as weather effects. Here, we summarise recent research into constellation design, optimization, and the incorporation of quantum memories and repeaters in space quantum communication links. These preliminary works offer guidance for future development efforts for long-term space quantum communication systems.",

keywords = "cryptography, quantum networks, quantum-key-distribution (QKD), satellite communication",

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AU - Pryce-Jones, Owain

AU - Bowyer, Mark

AU - Krutzik, Markus

AU - Gündogan, Mustafa

AU - Oi, Daniel K.L.

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AB - Satellite constellations have the potential for enabling globe-spanning quantum networks for secure communication, entanglement distribution, and eventually the quantum internet. The architecture, design, and operation of such space quantum networks face several challenges, from scheduling, performance analysis and optimization, and overcoming issues such as weather effects. Here, we summarise recent research into constellation design, optimization, and the incorporation of quantum memories and repeaters in space quantum communication links. These preliminary works offer guidance for future development efforts for long-term space quantum communication systems.

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KW - quantum networks

KW - quantum-key-distribution (QKD)

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JO - Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

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T2 - Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation V 2025

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Space quantum communication networks

Abstract

Funding

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

International Network in Space Quantum Technologies

(ViSatQT) ISCF Airbus: Viable Satellite Free Space Optical Quantum Key Distribution Technologies (ViSatQT)

SPIE Photonics West

Cite this

Space quantum communication networks

Abstract

Funding

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Projects

International Network in Space Quantum Technologies

(ViSatQT) ISCF Airbus: Viable Satellite Free Space Optical Quantum Key Distribution Technologies (ViSatQT)

Activities

SPIE Photonics West

Cite this