QUBE-II - Quantum Key Distribution with CubeSat

In the predecessor project QUBE, novel quantum key generation technologies were already integrated into the Cube-Sat platform and combined with powerful, optical communication systems. Within the framework of QUBE, the miniaturised quantum communication components are being tested in space under the most adverse conditions for their functionality and possible use in actual QKD applications.

In order to be able to generate a quantum key using the novel technologies developed in QUBE, these components will be further developed in QUBE-II and integrated together with new components. When generating a quantum key, the channel loss between satellite and ground station is of great importance, among other things. This is to be reduced in QUBE-II by increasing the output aperture of the telescope used for the transmission of the quantum signals. In addition, an optical link between the ground station and the microsatellite (uplink) will be established for the first time. This is necessary because a bidirectional, classic optical communication link with a high data rate is required within the framework of the QKD protocols, which define the exact sequence of quantum key generation. For this purpose, the OSIRIS4CubeSat terminal developed by DLR will be extended by a data receiver, among other things.