Satellite QKD provides an elegant solution to the currently limited range of terrestrial optical fibre for key distribution, thereby extending the use of QKD from metropolitan and inter-city to international scales. The UK has world-leading research in terrestrial QKD, and the Hub is supporting accelerated translation of that expertise and leadership into satellite quantum communications, for an in-orbit-demonstration (IOD) mission of Hub developed technologies . We are also building on feasibility studies in support of satellite QKD funded by the Phase 1 Hub, and prototype receiver development by Hub partners through ISCF funded projects. A vital element of the IOD, the ground station, will also enable the UK to collaborate in international satellite QKD initiatives in addition to communicating with the Hub satellite.
