QNu Labs, an Indian company that recently launched a quantum key generation service via the AWS Marketplace, stands to benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
Reports in the Economic Times of India and elsewhere noted that QNu Labs will work with IN-SPACe and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to demonstrate satellite-based QKD without distance limits. Terrestrial QKD systems typically require repeaters every 100-150 kms, which adds to the cost and architectural security considerations for QKD deployments.
Many other parties are working on either satellite-based or terrestrial QKD networks. At October’s IQT Fall Quantum Cybersecurity event, Dr. Andrew Thain, Expert in Quantum Communications and Quantum Information Systems for Airbus Space Systems, talked about the company’s new satellite designs that will support the planned EuroQCI infrastructure.
Europe, the U.S., and China are among some of the other countries that have government programs that are supporting the rollout of space-related quantum projects, such as satellite QKD networks, as recently noted in an IQT Inside Scoop.
The news of the MoU involving IN-Space and QNu Labs comes after Arqit recently said it is dropping plans for QKD satellites in favor of a terrestrial QKD design.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.