https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-017-0060-1
Research
CubeSat quantum communications mission
1
SUPA Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, John Anderson Building, 107 Rottenrow East, Glasgow, G4 0NG, UK
2
Strathclyde Space Institute, University of Strathclyde, James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
3
Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore, Block S15, Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
4
Dept. of Physics, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
5
Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Giovanni Gradenigo, 6, Padova, 35131, Italy
6
Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
7
Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, Technology and Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK
8
Department für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Schellingstr. 4/III, Munich, D-80799, Germany
9
Space Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Kluyverweg 1, Delft, 2629, The Netherlands
10
AQUA, EPFL, Rue de la Maladière 71b, Case postale 526, CH-2002 Neuchâtel 2, Lausanne, Switzerland
11
Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 4, Delft, 2628, The Netherlands
12
Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Vienna Austrian Academy of Sciences, Boltzmanngasse 3, Vienna, 1090, Austria
* e-mail: daniel.oi@strath.ac.uk
Received:
31
January
2017
Accepted:
5
April
2017
Published online:
17
April
2017
Quantum communication is a prime space technology application and offers near-term possibilities for long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) and experimental tests of quantum entanglement. However, there exists considerable developmental risks and subsequent costs and time required to raise the technological readiness level of terrestrial quantum technologies and to adapt them for space operations. The small-space revolution is a promising route by which synergistic advances in miniaturization of both satellite systems and quantum technologies can be combined to leap-frog conventional space systems development. Here, we outline a recent proposal to perform orbit-to-ground transmission of entanglement and QKD using a CubeSat platform deployed from the International Space Station (ISS). This ambitious mission exploits advances in nanosatellite attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), miniaturised target acquisition and tracking sensors, compact and robust sources of single and entangled photons, and high-speed classical communications systems, all to be incorporated within a 10 kg 6 litre mass-volume envelope. The CubeSat Quantum Communications Mission (CQuCoM) would be a pathfinder for advanced nanosatellite payloads and operations, and would establish the basis for a constellation of low-Earth orbit trusted-nodes for QKD service provision.
Key words: CubeSat / quantum / entanglement / cryptography
© The Author(s), 2017