Q3Sat: quantum communications uplink to a 3U CubeSat—feasibility & design

• Published in: EPJ quantum technology Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 1 - 24
• Main Authors: Neumann, Sebastian Philipp, Joshi, Siddarth Koduru, Fink, Matthias, Scheidl, Thomas, Blach, Roland, Scharlemann, Carsten, Abouagaga, Sameh, Bambery, Daanish, Kerstel, Erik, Barthelemy, Mathieu, Ursin, Rupert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 27.04.2018; Springer Nature B.V; EDP Sciences; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Commercial off-the-shelf technology; CubeSat; Feasibility studies; Feasibility study; Nanosatellites; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Optics; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum communication; Quantum Information Technology; Quantum Key Distribution; Quantum optics; Quantum Physics; Satellite technology; Space Applications of Quantum Technology; Spintronics; Quantum optics; Quantum Key Distribution; Satellite technology; Feasibility study; CubeSat; Quantum communication
• ISSN: 2196-0763; 2196-0763
• DOI: 10.1140/epjqt/s40507-018-0068-1

Satellites are the most efficient way to achieve global scale quantum communication (Q.Com) because unavoidable losses restrict fiber based Q.Com to a few hundred kilometers. We demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a Q.Com uplink with a 3U CubeSat, measuring only 10 × 10 × 34 cm 3 , using commercial off-the-shelf components, the majority of which have space heritage. We demonstrate how to leverage the latest advancements in nano-satellite body-pointing to show that our 4 kg CubeSat can generate a quantum-secure key, which has so far only been shown by a much larger 600 kg satellite mission. A comprehensive link budget and simulation was performed to calculate the secure key rates. We discuss design choices and trade-offs to maximize the key rate while minimizing the cost and development needed. Our detailed design and feasibility study can be readily used as a template for global scale Q.Com.