The European Commission is set to start building a Quantum-secure Space Communications Network to protect critical government data.
In a press release on 30 January, the European Space Agency (ESA) said it reached an agreement with the Commission to consolidate their cooperation on the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).
An advanced communication network, EuroQCI will leverage proven principles of Quantum Physics to protect everything from personal data to Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Ramping up information security
Information security is a critical issue in the 21st century where the ease of hacking information is on the increase, thanks to AI.
It appears that conventional means of encryption are failing, hence the need for more to secure alternatives. This is why the European Commision is taking it to space.
By using the principles of Quantum Physics, the commission intends to detect any attempt at interception to protect Europe’s vital infrastructure from power grids to emergency services that protect communities in times of crises.
Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, said:
“By integrating quantum-based systems into existing infrastructures, EuroQCI will create a secure communication layer resistant to emerging cyber threats, advancing Europe’s cybersecurity strategy and strengthening our leadership in quantum technologies.”
This is a huge step towards attaining the EU’s Digital Decade target of being at the forefront of quantum capabilities by 2030.
Advanced through ESA’s Security And cryptoGrAphic mission (SAGA), the initiative has received backing from all 27 EU Member States, demonstrating its importance for Europe’s future.
The secure network infrastructure uses fibre-optic internet cables on Earth, as well as the ESA’s satellite constellation to expand the reach of the QKD secure network across Europe and beyond.
At the same time, the ESA is supporting the development of Eagle-1, the first satellite for the space-based QKD system, and is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Building on the past
This is not the first time the Europe Commision is working on this project, although the final agreement is a major milestone in the process.
The commission in 2023 implemented the first phase for EuroQCI in 2023, with the next milestone focused on its gradual integration into IRIS², Europe’s new secure satellite constellation.