Realizing quantum nodes in space for cost-effective, global quantum communication: in-orbit results and next steps

TL;DR

This paper reports on the successful deployment and operation of an entangled photon source on a CubeSat, advancing the development of space-based quantum communication networks and addressing engineering challenges for quantum nodes in space.

Contribution

It demonstrates the first in-orbit operation of an entangled photon source on a CubeSat and discusses upgrades for space-to-ground quantum key distribution.

Findings

Successful operation of an entangled photon source in space

Progress towards space-to-ground quantum key distribution

Development of a ruggedized, miniaturized photon source

Abstract

Quantum sources and receivers operating on-board satellites are an essential building block for global quantumnetworks. SpooQy-1 is a satellite developed at the Centre for Quantum Technologies, which has successfully demonstrated the operation of an entangled photon pair source on a resource-constrained CubeSat platform. This miniaturized and ruggedized photon pair source is being upgraded to be capable of space-to-ground quantum keydistribution and long-range entanglement distribution. In this paper, we share results from SpooQy-1, discuss their relevance for the engineering challenges of a small satellite quantum node, and report on the development of the new light source.