Real-time gigahertz free-space quantum key distribution within an emulated satellite overpass

Roger, Thomas; Singh, Ravinder; Perumangatt, Chithrabhanu; Marangon, Davide G.; Sanzaro, Mirko; Smith, Peter R.; Woodward, Robert I.; Shields, Andrew J.

doi:10.1126/sciadv.adj5873

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 50 publications

(59 reference statements)

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“…Later, satellite-based QKD evolved to capture both distances and key transmission speeds [73,74], and research also emerged that could achieve complete security purely through entanglement without the need for a trust relay [75]. Moreover, research incorporating various technologies like twin fields and technologies that are capable of much longer distances has also been conducted [76].…”

Section: B Anti-eavesdropping-cryptographic Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Survey on Satellite Communication System Security

Kang,

Park,

Lee

2024

Sensors

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In recent years, satellite communication systems (SCSs) have rapidly developed in terms of their role and capabilities, promoted by advancements in space launch technologies. However, this rapid development has also led to the emergence of significant security vulnerabilities, demonstrated through real-world targeted attacks such as AcidRain and AcidPour that demand immediate attention from the security community. In response, various countermeasures, encompassing both technological and policy-based approaches, have been proposed to mitigate these threats. However, the multitude and diversity of these proposals make their comparison complex, requiring a systemized view of the landscape. In this paper, we systematically categorize and analyze both attacks and defenses within the framework of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, focusing on specific threats that pose substantial risks to SCSs. Furthermore, we evaluate existing countermeasures against potential threats in SCS environments and offer insights into the security policies of different nations, recognizing the strategic importance of satellite communications as a national asset. Finally, we present prospective security challenges and solutions for future SCSs, including full quantum communication, AI-integrated SCSs, and standardized protocols for the next generation of terrestrial–space communication.

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Section: B Anti-eavesdropping-cryptographic Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Survey on Satellite Communication System Security

Kang,

Park,

Lee

2024

Sensors

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Finite-Resource Performance of Small-Satellite-Based Quantum-Key-Distribution Missions

Islam,

Sidhu,

Higgins

et al. 2024

PRX Quantum

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In satellite-based quantum-key-distribution (QKD), the number of secret bits that can be generated in a single satellite pass over the ground station is severely restricted by the pass duration and the free-space optical channel loss. High channel loss may decrease the signal-to-noise ratio due to background noise, reduce the number of generated raw key bits, and increase the quantum bit error rate (QBER), all of which have detrimental effects on the output secret key length. Under finite-size security analysis, a higher QBER increases the minimum raw key length necessary for nonzero secret-key-length extraction due to less efficient reconciliation and postprocessing overheads. We show that recent developments in finite-key analysis allow three different small-satellite-based QKD projects, CQT-Sat, the United Kingdom QUARC-ROKS, and QEYSSat, to produce secret keys even under conditions of very high loss, improving on estimates based on previous finite-key bounds. This suggests that satellites in low Earth orbit can satisfy finite-size security requirements but that this remains challenging for satellites further from Earth. We analyze the performance of each mission to provide an informed route toward improving the performance of small-satellite QKD missions. We highlight the short- and long-term perspectives on the challenges and potential future developments in small-satellite-based QKD and quantum networks. In particular, we discuss some of the experimental and theoretical bottlenecks and the improvements necessary to achieve QKD and wider quantum networking capabilities in daylight and at different altitudes. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

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Impact of visibility limiting conditions on satellite and high-altitude platform quantum key distribution links

Eso,

Simmons,

Buller

et al. 2024

Opt. Express

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Satellite and aerial platforms are critical in the deployment of global quantum communications networks. Currently, there remain significant challenges including operation during daytime and robustness to visibility limiting conditions. In this work we investigate, through simulation, the impact of visibility limiting conditions on low-Earth orbit CubeSat dimensioned satellites, small satellites and high-altitude platform implementations. Three different operational wavelengths were considered: currently used near-infrared (at 850 nm); next-generation short-wave infrared (at 1550 nm); and a candidate longer wavelength (at 2133 nm). We present channel attenuation and consider quantum key distribution (QKD) system performance parameters. Results indicate that the “best wavelength” for an implementation depends on the minimum visibility rated and the single-photon detector technology utilized. In the cases where tolerated meteorological visibility is short, 1550 nm and 2133 nm wavelengths provide better performance. In cases when the visibility is long, the operational wavelength of 850 nm provides better QKD system performance.

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Real-time gigahertz free-space quantum key distribution within an emulated satellite overpass

Cited by 5 publications

References 50 publications

A Survey on Satellite Communication System Security

A Survey on Satellite Communication System Security

Finite-Resource Performance of Small-Satellite-Based Quantum-Key-Distribution Missions

Impact of visibility limiting conditions on satellite and high-altitude platform quantum key distribution links

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