A landmark space mission built on UK research excellence is set to accelerate progress in quantum communications, starting with the launch of a small satellite.
The University of Strathclyde is among five partners in the Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications (SPOQC), a mission to strengthen the nation’s leadership in space-based quantum communications and address cybersecurity threats posed by emerging computing technologies.
The SPOQC CubeSat was launched aboard a SpaceX Transporter-16 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Monday 30 March. The satellite is now in the final stages of commissioning – the setup and performance testing – after which it will begin transmitting quantum signals to special receivers installed on a state-of-the-art facility, the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), based at Heriot-Watt University.
The satellite is currently in a low-Earth, Sun-synchronous orbit, passing over the UK approximately twice a day. Most quantum measurements will be carried out at night, when conditions are optimal for the experiments.
Future-proofed
As quantum computers grow more powerful, traditional encryption methods will become increasingly vulnerable. Quantum communications offer a future-proofed alternative, enabling ultra-secure data transfer in which any attempt to intercept the encryption keys is immediately detectable.
Terrestrial fibre networks already support quantum communication links across the globe but long distances impose significant limitations which, in turn, affect the quality of the signals.
Satellite-based systems provide the only practical route to a resilient international communication infrastructure. The SPOQC mission, alongside other international ventures, will advance understanding of quantum information exchange between Earth and space, offering essential insights for building global-scale quantum secure networks.
Dual payload
The mission uses a dual quantum source payload; one is based on discrete quantum signals, at the single photon level, and the other uses continuous variable type signals, similar to continuous pulses of light at the quantum level. Both link to dedicated receivers at the optical ground station, allowing researchers to switch between two established but technically distinct communication methods, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes under varying atmospheric and orbital conditions.
Strathclyde is providing rigorous optimal conditions modelling for SPOQC. Researchers have developed SatQuMA (Satellite Quantum Modelling & Analysis Software), a numerical toolkit that determines the finite key capacity in satellite-based quantum key distribution.
Professor Daniel Oi, of the Department of Physics, the University’s lead in the project, said:
The SPOQC mission will further advance the utilisation of small satellites, such as CubeSats, to perform cutting-edge space quantum communications. It also represents important UK capabilities for the development and deployment of space quantum technologies and the vibrant small satellite industry in this country.
Strathclyde was also involved through a project with AAA Clyde Space, with two VIREON satellites included in the launch. The xSPANCION (extended Satellite Production And Constellation Operations) initiative was led at the University by Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Director of the Centre for Signal & Image Signal Processing at Strathclyde and looked at smarter ways to organise how data moves around a network of interconnected spacecraft, making operations more efficient and robust.
Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director of EPSRC’s Strategy Directorate, said: “The SPOQC mission is a powerful example of how UK research leadership is shaping the future of secure global communications. By uniting world class expertise across our quantum research hubs, we’re demonstrating not only scientific excellence but real technological ambition. This launch marks a major step toward quantum-secure networks that will help safeguard the UK’s digital infrastructure for decades to come.”
The mission is led by the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub at Heriot-Watt. The satellite’s quantum sources, or transmitters, and corresponding ground receivers have been developed by teams at the Universities of Bristol and York and the Quantum Communications Hub at York initiated development of the satellite. The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space laboratory contributed space engineering, systems integration and mission support expertise.