Qube - Quantum key distribution with CubeSat

Lemke NM, Weinfurter H, Marquardt C, Moll F, Haber R, Grünefeld M, Seidel ST, Freiwang P, Rosenfeld W, Bayraktar Ö, Rödiger B, Schmidt C, Schilling K (2018)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2018

Publisher: International Astronautical Federation, IAF

Book Volume: 2018-October

Conference Proceedings Title: Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC

Event location: Bremen, DEU

Abstract

QUBE (Quantum Key Distribution with CubeSat) is one out of three pilot projects in the frame of the national German initiative QUTEGA to promote quantum technologies. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with co-funding of industry as preparation for the European flagship on Quantum Technology. With the current development pace in quantum computation, it has been predicted that in less than two decades quantum computers will be able to break encryption codes deployed today, which are currently based on mathematical problems difficult to solve with classical computation. This shows the urgent need for quantum-safe encryption that is resistant to attacks of both, quantum and classical, computers. A long term solution for quantum-safe encryption is the use of a completely random, so-called One-Time-Pad generated with true Random Number Generation (RNG) and distributed via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The QKD in fiber networks is limited to approx. 100 km due to damping within the carrier medium. For longer distances so far only satellite based techniques are able to transmit the keys. As a pathfinder, QUBE plans perform an in-orbit demonstration of the core technologies on a CubeSat platform.

Authors with CRIS profile

Christoph Marquardt

Involved external institutions

OHB System AG DE Germany (DE) Zentrum für Telematik e.V. DE Germany (DE) Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light DE Germany (DE) Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) / German Aerospace Center DE Germany (DE) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Lemke, N.M., Weinfurter, H., Marquardt, C., Moll, F., Haber, R., Grünefeld, M.,... Schilling, K. (2018). Qube - Quantum key distribution with CubeSat. In Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC. Bremen, DEU: International Astronautical Federation, IAF.

MLA:

Lemke, Norbert M.K., et al. "Qube - Quantum key distribution with CubeSat." Proceedings of the 69th International Astronautical Congress: #InvolvingEveryone, IAC 2018, Bremen, DEU International Astronautical Federation, IAF, 2018.

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