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arXiv · 2505.20838

The European Satellite-Based QKD System EAGLE-1

Thomas Hiemstra·David Hasler·Domenico Paone·Fabian Reichert·Frank Heine·Julian Struck
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Abstract

The satellite mission EAGLE-1 represents an important step towards a future pan-European secure quantum key distribution (QKD) network. The public-private partnership behind the mission consists of a consortium of universities, research institutes, and companies partially funded by ESA, the European Union, and supported by national delegations. This unique combination of academic partners and industry facilitates a swift knowledge transfer from basic research to commercial application. Within the consortium, Tesat-Spacecom (TESAT) is responsible for developing and integrating the payload assembly of the low-earth orbit EAGLE-1 satellite. In addition, TESAT provides the SCOT80 laser terminal with minor adaptations for the mission. Here, we report on the status, technical aspects and TESATs contribution to the satellite-to-ground prepare-and-measure QKD mission.

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Thomas Hiemstra, David Hasler, Domenico Paone, Fabian Reichert, Frank Heine, Julian Struck. 2025-05-27. The European Satellite-Based QKD System EAGLE-1. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3042856

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