Modelling of satellite constellations for trusted node QKD networks
Tom Vergoossen (SpeQtral Pte Ltd.)
S. Loarte (Student TU Delft)
Robert Bedington (SpeQtral Pte Ltd.)
J.M. Kuiper (TU Delft - Space Systems Egineering)
Alexander Ling (National University of Singapore)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Quantum key distribution from satellites becomes particularly valuable when it can be used on a large network and on-demand to provide a symmetric encryption key to any two nodes. A constellation model is described which enables QKD-derived encryption keys to be established between any two ground stations with low latency. This is achieved through the use of low earth orbit trusted-node QKD satellites which create a buffer of keys with the ground stations they pass over, and geostationary relay satellites to transfer secure combinations of the keys to the ground stations. Regional and global network models are considered and the use of inter-satellite QKD links for balancing keys is assessed.