Antaris and SpeQtral to jointly deploy QKD satellites in an industry first!

Antaris also expects to deliver the first customer spacecraft into orbit in 2026.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology is a symmetric cryptographic key security management method based on quantum mechanics. The collaboration will include the integration of SpeQtral's quantum payload with the Antaris SatOS™ spacecraft software and partner bus platform.

This novel cloud-based satellite design, powered by Antaris' SatOS™ and delivered as a turnkey solution, represents an industry first for this emerging technology. As part of the program, Antaris will also provide the satellite's TrueTwin™ digital twin, enabling customers to simulate, test and operate spacecraft in a high-fidelity environment. Using TrueTwin™, customers will be able to "fly" and validate complete missions before the satellite enters orbit.

SpeQtral's state-of-the-art Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology in space is a secure method of establishing and distributing symmetric encryption keys based on the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics. This allows two parties located anywhere in the world to generate shared keys that are provably random and tamper-proof, even in the presence of eavesdropping adversaries with quantum computers of enormous computing power.

Thus, satellite QKD has great potential for a variety of applications dealing with highly sensitive data, such as in the government and defense sectors. Its integrated approach to quantum communications, including terrestrial and satellite QKD techniques and PQC, lays the foundation for a global quantum Internet backbone.

SpeQtral, a leader in quantum communications technology and a division of the Center for Quantum Technologies (CQT), announced back on February 15 the launch of TarQis - a mobile quantum optical ground station (Q-OGS) designed to lower the secure communications via satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) TarQis will work seamlessly with SpeQtral's upcoming quantum satellites and will serve as an access point to the quantum satellites, providing a plug-and-play solution for interested users in the government and defense, telecom, financial services, and data center sectors to deploy and test satellite QKD solutions.

The mobile quantum optical ground station consists of a modular quantum receiver unit, a QKD control server, and an optical telescope, all contained in a standard 20-foot container that can be easily transported globally. The product utilizes a standard data interface that enables users to rapidly deploy TarQis at selected locations, thus enabling long-range satellite QKD connectivity.

"SpeQtral's compact and robust quantum payload will facilitate highly secure cryptographic key delivery that can mitigate imminent quantum cybersecurity threats. This can be applied to a wide range of applications, including satellite command, control and data downlinks, as well as traditional satellite or terrestrial communications," said Tom Barton, CEO and co-founder of Antaris, "By integrating this technology with the Antaris Cloud Platform, governments and commercial operators can deploy these capabilities in space faster than ever before and at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods."

"Until now, quantum-secure cyber satellites have been inaccessible to all but a handful of governments," said Lum Chune Yang, co-founder and CEO of SpeQtral. "By partnering with Antaris, we are able to offer government and defense customers an affordable dedicated mission as a turnkey solution for delivery in orbit. This will enable customers to protect their most sensitive global communications using quantum secure encryption."

Antaris, for its part, claims that its platform provides all of its customers' software needs in both the virtual and physical domains, with ubiquitous open APIs. its operations are summarized in three main segments: design, simulation and live flight.

- Modular configurator: Antaris' cloud-based web interface makes it easy to design and configure production satellites from a catalog of components, subsystems and reference designs. The platform features built-in API integration with a variety of vendors, including ground station operators and satellite manufacturers.

- TrueTwin™ Virtual Satellite: TrueTwin high-fidelity simulation technology enables designers to mirror and test satellite configurations by running the same code and optional hardware-in-the-loop support in both virtual and physical environments.

- Fully Integrated Mission Control with SatOS™: SatOS' complete software stack runs core bus functionality while managing multi-tenant payloads and onboard computation with support for real-time operating systems, Linux, AI/ML workflows and third-party applications. It says CosmoLink™'s advanced TT&C and spatial data network has a highly secure zero-trust architecture capable of supporting any encryption and key management model.

Today, global communication systems rely on public key infrastructures for encryption to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data. However it is well known that the upcoming era of quantum computing may threaten this infrastructure.

The emergence of quantum key distribution satellites could be a game changer, distributing encryption keys through cloud systems, and by utilizing the principles of quantum physics, it ensures that these keys cannot be stolen by eavesdroppers. With a constellation of satellites, secure encryption key distribution becomes feasible globally, enhancing defenses against future cyber threats.