EPJ Quantum Technol. (2018) 5: 6
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-018-0070-7

Research

Nanobob: a CubeSat mission concept for quantum communication experiments in an uplink configuration

¹ CNRS, LIPhy, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
² Centre Spatial Universitaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
³ Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, Grenoble, France
⁴ IPAG, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
⁵ Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
⁶ Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), Vienna, Austria

^* e-mail: erik.kerstel@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr

Received: 16 November 2017
Accepted: 7 June 2018
Published online: 22 June 2018

Abstract

We present a ground-to-space quantum key distribution (QKD) mission concept and the accompanying feasibility study for the development of the associated low earth orbit nanosatellite payload. The quantum information is carried by single photons with the binary codes represented by polarization states of the photons. Distribution of entangled photons between the ground and the satellite can be used to certify the quantum nature of the link: a guarantee that no eavesdropping can take place. By placing the entangled photon source on the ground, the space segments contains “only” the less complex detection system, enabling its implementation in a compact enclosure, compatible with the 12U CubeSat standard (∼12 dm³). This reduces the overall cost of the project, making it an ideal choice as a pathfinder for future European quantum communication satellite missions. The space segment is also more versatile than one that contains the source since it is compatible with a multiple of QKD protocols (not restricted to entangled photon schemes) and can be used in quantum physics experiments, such as the investigation of entanglement decoherence. Other possible experiments include atmospheric transmission/turbulence characterization, dark area mapping, fine pointing and tracking, and accurate clock synchronization; all crucial for future global scale quantum communication efforts.