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International Use Cases for Operational Quantum Key Distribution Applications & Services (INT-UQKD)

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In an age where quantum computing looms as a major threat to existing cryptography, the European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a bold project – International Use Cases for Operational Quantum Key Distribution Applications & Services (INT-UQKD) – to pioneer quantum-safe communication infrastructure combining terrestrial fibre and satellite links. 

Funded under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme and via Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry, the project focuses on building operational use cases for QKD: not just lab experiments but real-world demonstrations across global fibre and satellite links. 

Modern communications and data-systems rely heavily on classical cryptography. With quantum computers advancing, many of these cryptographic schemes risk becoming obsolete. INT-UQKD aims to respond to this threat by building a network capable of distributing keys via quantum channels and combining them with post-quantum algorithms to ensure secure communications in the quantum era. 

Beyond the technology, INT-UQKD aims for digital sovereignty, especially for Europe: by developing secure quantum-safe communication systems domestically and internationally, the project helps address the strategic goal of ensuring Europe’s independence and resilience in secure communications. 


Partners of INT-UQKD

Launched in September 2022, INT-UQKD is managed by Starion Luxembourg S.A. as the prime contractor, in consortium with POST Luxembourg, HITEC Luxembourg S.A., the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) of the University of Luxembourg, and international collaborators evolutionQ Inc. in Canada and SpeQtral Pte Ltd in Singapore. 

The system architecture is hybrid, and includes:

Terrestrial optical-fibre QKD links between trusted nodes
Satellite QKD links via optical and quantum channels, to reach global distances beyond fibre feasibility.
Integrates post-quantum cryptography to complement QKD – offering a “belt-and-braces” security strategy so that if one layer is broken, the other still holds.


Milestones and key dates

Project start and definition (2022)

  • The project formally commenced on 13 September 2022. 
  • The initial phase focused on definition of use-cases, system requirements, architecture and interfaces, particularly to link terrestrial fibre QKD nodes.


Preliminary design phase (2022–2023)

  • In November 2022, a significant partnership was announced between Starion and SpeQtral to develop a quantum-safe link between Singapore and Europe via satellite, anchored in the INT-UQKD programme. 
  • The project passed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in September 2023. 

Terrestrial demonstration phase (2024)

  • The project achieved its first operational terrestrial QKD link between Belgium and Luxembourg (via optical fibre) as part of a use-case demonstration. 
  • InNovember 2024, at ESA’s European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC) facility in Redu, Belgium, the milestone of the terrestrial link becoming operational was reviewed.


Critical Design Review and space segment preparations (2024 and 2025)

  • The project scheduled its Critical Design Review (CDR) in late 2024 to early 2025 as it prepared to move into the space-link demonstration phase. 
  • Design of the satellite QKD links and optical ground stations was underway (in Luxembourg and Singapore) in preparation for the intercontinental demonstration. 

First satellite launch and global link demonstration (2025 onwards)

  • The first experimental satellite launch took place in November 2025. 
  • An operational satellite follow-up is planned for 2026, for full global link demonstration between Europe and Asia, combining satellite QKD and fibre links. 
  • The resulting hybrid network aims to provide quantum-safe service delivery to institutional users, aligning with larger European quantum communication infrastructures, such as EuroQCI. 

Future expansion and commercialisation (after 2026)

Following the initial demonstrations, the project envisions geographical expansion over European and non-European countries, service maturation and commercialisation of quantum-safe key distribution across critical infrastructure sectors. 

Integration into European initiatives such as EAGLE1 (Europe’s first sovereign LEO quantum-satellite QKD) and the broader EuroQCI initiative, where quantum-communication infrastructures will be pursued, including standards, certification and interoperability. 

RELATED LINKS & CONTACS

CONTACT

Michael Witting


ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC)

Keplerlaan 1

2201 AZ Noordwijk, The Netherlands

+31 625158619

Michael.Witting@esa.int

Documents

Overview page

Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES)

Overview page

Partnership Projects programme

Overview page