Augmentation of Space-based Quantum Key Distribution with CubeSat Systems

立方体卫星（小于10公斤的超小型卫星，尺寸10-40厘米）提供了一个具有成本效益和快速部署的机会，既可以为更广泛的市场提供概念验证，又可以提高技术水平。在某些情况下，它们也是最终服务交付的一部分;例如，Planet就是用CubeSats增强较大的卫星，用于响应性地球观测。这项可行性研究旨在确定CubeSatmarketplace的动力和敏捷性以及整体性能的进展可以应用和调整的程度，以支持和利用天基量子密钥分发的出现，利用英国已经在有效载荷系统中进行的发展。量子密钥分发提供了一种高度安全的密钥分发方法，对从金融交易到军事通信的现代数据系统安全至关重要。这项工作将为使命架构、接口规格、系统测试和开发路线图提供信息，并进一步提供跨利益攸关方的系统视图。该方法将确定使用立方体卫星加速和增强天基量子密钥分发技术或服务准备的机会。

CubeSats (< 10 kg nanosatellites, with dimensions 10-40 cm) offer a cost-effective and rapidly deployed opportunity to bothprovide proof-of-concept to a wider market and technology raising. In some instances, they are also part of the finalservice delivery; for example, in the case of Planet which augments larger satellites with CubeSats for responsive Earthobservation. This feasibility study seeks to determine the extent to which the momentum and agility of the CubeSatmarketplace and the progress made in overall performance can be applied and aligned to support and capitalise on theemergence of space-based Quantum Key Distribution, harnessing the developments already underway within the UK inpayload systems. QKD offers a highly secure method for key distribution critical to modern data systems security fromfinancial transactions to military communications. The work will inform mission architecture, interface specification, systemtesting and development roadmaps, and further provide a systems-view across stakeholders. The approach will identifyopportunities to accelerate and augment the technology or service readiness of space-based QKD using CubeSats.