The latest breakthrough from researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), published in the journal Advanced Quantum Technologies, lays the groundwork for secure communications via satellite-based quantum encryption.

The research team is part of  an international consortium working on the QUICK³ space mission, which aims to harness the immutable laws of physics to safeguard communications over long distances, offering a solution to the looming threat posed by quantum computing to conventional encryption techniques.

Traditional methods, which are reliant on complex mathematical algorithms, could become vulnerable in the face of quantum computing’s immense processing power. 

“Security will be based on the information being encoded into individual light particles and then transmitted. The laws of physics do not permit this information to be extracted or copied. When the information is intercepted, the light particles change their characteristics,” said Tobias Vogl, a professor of Quantum Communication Systems Engineering.

One of the primary challenges in implementing quantum cryptography lies in transmitting data over extended distances. Unlike conventional optical fibre communications, where information is encoded in multiple light particles, quantum encryption requires the use of individual particles, limiting transmission distances to a few hundred kilometres. 

To overcome this hurdle, the researchers plan to leverage the thin atmosphere at altitudes above 10 kilometres, where light remains unaffected, facilitating satellite-based transmission.

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Under the QUICK³ mission, Professor Vogl and his team are designing and testing an entire satellite system tailored for quantum communications. Each component undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compatibility and durability under space conditions.

The culmination of these efforts will culminate in a satellite launch slated for 2025. While the deployment of satellite-based quantum communications holds immense promise for enhancing cybersecurity, the researchers still emphasise the importance of a hybrid approach.