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Quantum satellite mission represents new frontier in space-based encryption technology

12 May 2021

A scheme using quantum technology to encrypt messages from space is to be tested on a satellite in a programme involving University of Bristol researchers.

QET Labs' Professor John Rarity said:

“The quantum key distribution technology developed in this project represents a major step towards realising space-to-ground secure key distribution, a truly transformative technology. The source we develop with our project partners, Craft Prospect and the University of Strathclyde, will fly on board the QEYSSat Satellite extending the scope of the mission to demonstrate links to ground stations on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The project will receive up to £300,000 from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, and up to $400,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada as one of eight winners of the UK-Canada Quantum Technologies Competition announced in November.

Read full University of Bristol press release here.

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