Quantum Space Operations Center

Quantum Technology@DLR GSOC: Space and satellite missions operation consists of various complex software systems with numerous automated and computer assisted tasks. The German Space Operations Center has a genuine interest to develop and use new processes and technologies. The research group supports the introduction and implementation of quantum technology in space operations with focus on scheduling and planning, communication, satellite control and data analysis. Hereby we collaborate with and are embedded in a rich network including many other groups from DLR, research institutes as e.g. LMU, TUM, UniBW, LRZ, TNO and industry partners interested in quantum computing, e.g. e.On, ParityQC or XeedQ.

Fields of activity
 Description
Optimization Algorithms

SQOS: Spacecraft Quantum Oncall Scheduling

  • Scherer 'Scalable quantum algorithm for scheduling problems',  BA thesis
  • Scherer et. al. ‘OnCall Operator Scheduling for Satellites with Grover’s Algorithm’, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77980-1_2 In: 21st International Conference on Computational Science, (ICCS 2021)
  • Prüfer et. al. ‘Quantum Shift Scheduling - A Comparison to Classical Approaches’. In: 12th International Workshop on Planning and Scheduling for Space (IWPSS 2021)

QMPC: Quantum Mission Planning Challenge

  • Implementation of quantum algorithms for scheduling problems and their analysis
  • Integration of algorithmic solutions into the operational landscape 
Optimal Control Theory

Munich Quantum Valley: Hardware adapted theory and optimal control of qubits

  • Numerical optimizations for optimal control of qubits for different hardware systems and algorithms
  • Full stack Quantum Computer development embedded between hard- and software layer

GRAPE4Space: Robust Satellite Attitude via Control Theory

  • Landgraf ‘Robust Satellite Attitude via Control Theory’, MA thesis
  • Cooperation with Seranis Satellite Project
  • Cooperation with Satellite Flash Finder Project
Quantum Machine Learning

QAthMOS: Telemetry and Health Monitoring System

  • Anomaly detection in satellite telemetry data using QML
  • Quantum Support Vector Machines
  • Data encoding strategies
Quantum Error Correction
 

R-QIP: Reliable Quantum Information Processing

  • Countermeasures against quantum errors in NISQ devices

Optimization of error correction codes

Quantum Key Distribution

MuQuaNet: A quantum key distribution fiber network:

  • Integration of a QKD system into the satellite ground segment data transfer
Education

Feasibility studies and knowledge transfer:

  • Evaluation and translation of specific classical problems

Quantum Computing Hackathons: 5 days hands-on workshops on quantum algorithms with credit points

  • WS 2020 – The Grover Algorithm
  • SS 2020 – Graph Coloring
  • WS 2021 – Quantum Sudoku
  • WS 2022 – Logical puzzles
Miscellaneous
  • Support from the DLR expert-council for the development of quantum computing technologies
  • ELEVATE (Enhanced probLEm solVing with quAntum compuTErs) project to enable other DLR institutes for the use of quantum technology
  • European Standardization Initiative on Quantum Technologies
  • Hosted symposium - 'QuantumKeyDistribution in Space' with LMU and ESA (Q3 2019)
  • Various talks at Industry and Research institutions we are invited and contributing to

Publications

The following are publications at GSOC that concern topics close to QSOC