The Luxembourg’s Quantum Communications Infrastructure project (LuxQCI) aims to create a secure communications shield against cyber threats based on quantum technology.
To design the LuxQCI, Luxembourg has put in place a consortium comprising InCert, itrust consulting, LuxConnect, LuxTrust and the University of Luxembourg (SnT), that is led by SES’s fully-owned affiliate SES Techcom.
One of the LuxQCI’s main functions will be to ensure quantum key distribution (QKD), an ultra- secure form of encryption that uses the principles of quantum mechanics. Enabled via satellites, QKD can secure confidential data, power grids, government communications and digital transactions, including against attacks by quantum computers. Once operational, LuxQCI will guarantee the security of digital transactions and of confidential information transfer over geographically dispersed areas. Early users of the infrastructure will be governmental and institutional authorities and business sectors requiring ultra-secure data transmission. QCI will ultimately evolve into a Quantum Internet, linking quantum processors and sensors and enabling an EU-wide distributed quantum computing and communication capability.
The LuxQCI is an integral part of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), an initiative from the European Commission. The LuxQCI project will include among other key objectives the design of the country’s national QCI, integrating both terrestrial and space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) into an innovative hybrid Key Management System (hKMS). It will also plan for the integration of Luxembourg’s national QCI with other European QCI initiatives.
Marc Serres, CEO of the Luxembourg Space Agency
ESA and a consortium led by SES are already developing the QUARTZ system for generating cryptographic keys in space and their secure transmission to earth. LuxQCI will integrate this technology, being the next major milestone in building the quantum communications infrastructure.
Steve Collar, CEO of SES
Satellite-enabled cybersecurity is a technology of the future that is being developed now, and is an integral element of reliable quantum communications infrastructures. We could not be more delighted to be driving the development of Luxembourg’s national QCI project with these local partners.
