Creotech Instruments S.A., a Warsaw Stock Exchange-listed Polish space mission integrator, has joined an international project to develop a prototype multi-purpose Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) receiver for optical ground stations receiving cryptographic keys from satellites. Ultimately, the company plans to build a complete product line in the field of quantum communications, supported by leading EU programs. The value of the European Space Agency (ESA) contract is approximately EUR 950 000.

Implementing satellite-based quantum key distribution requires the construction of costly and advanced ground-segment infrastructure, based on Optical Ground Stations (OGS) equipped with dedicated receivers. Until now, QKD receivers have typically been designed for a single, specific mission and security protocol, such as the Eagle-1 project – the first European QKD satellite.

At the same time, numerous QKD satellite missions are planned, each potentially using different QKD protocols and encoding methods. It is therefore economically justified to develop key ground-segment components that enable communication with multiple QKD satellites, facilitating the growth of an integrated network. The Multi-purpose Quantum Key Distribution Receiver for optical ground stations (MPQR) project directly addresses this challenge.

“Quantum key distribution is a strategic area of development for us. We see strong business potential and are ready for commercial deployments already this year. Participation in the project to build a prototype multi-purpose QKD receiver for ground stations handling satellite key transmission expands the application scope of our technologies and strengthens our position as a key European supplier,” says Anna Kamińska, PhD, Director of the Quantum Systems Division at Creotech Instruments S.A. and CEO of Creotech Quantum S.A.

Creotech Instruments is currently conducting several QKD projects for ESA and the European Commission. As part of these activities, the company is developing ultra-sensitive single-photon detectors based on superconducting technology. In addition to the detector, a dedicated receiver is required to interpret signals from a QKD satellite. This receiver will be developed by a consortium led by OHB System AG.

Creotech Instruments will be responsible for the design and delivery of the receiver’s control electronics and for integration with the single-photon detector. These detectors will be used for demonstration and testing of the new receiver. Moreover, experience gained through the MPQR project will support more effective commercial deployment of other technologies developed by Creotech and will expand the company’s QKD portfolio with increasingly advanced ground-station components and subsystems, particularly QKD receivers.

Recently, the company signed a contract to develop a mobile QKD ground station under the PIONIER-Q-SAT project led by NASK. Thanks to synergies between these projects, Creotech will further strengthen its technological and product capabilities in satellite-based QKD, covering everything from key components to advanced subsystems, including QKD receivers.

In the coming years, quantum key distribution is expected to be implemented in critical infrastructure across Europe, covering both terrestrial networks and satellite links. Completion of the project will enable Creotech to enter this rapidly growing market.

The consortium is led by OHB System AG and includes, in addition to Creotech Instruments S.A., OHB Digital Connect GmbH and the Austrian Institute of Technology.

The total value of the ESA contract is approximately EUR 950,000, of which around EUR 300,000 is allocated to Creotech Instruments S.A.

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