Application Laboratory for Satellite-Based Quantum Communication
The goal of DLR’s contribution to QuKomIn is to establish a hybrid quantum communication network consisting of fiber-optic links and free-space channels, along with an application laboratory for satellite-based quantum communication. This test network is intended to demonstrate secure quantum communication under realistic conditions and to evaluate the practical suitability of QKD systems and system components developed by partner initiatives.
QuKomIn aims to create a test infrastructure for quantum communication under real-world conditions, enabling the trial and further development of tomorrow’s secure communication technologies, with a particular focus on the requirements of government agencies and industrial users.
The project is part of the State of Bavaria’s regional initiative and is being implemented in close coordination with QuNET, a program funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Technologies developed within QuNET, as well as solutions from industrial partners, can be tested and validated under practical conditions using the QuKomIn infrastructure.
The QuKomIn infrastructure is being built as a hybrid fiber-optic network with free-space and satellite links, as well as application laboratories in the Erlangen and Munich/Oberpfaffenhofen regions. The DLR application laboratory in Oberpfaffenhofen focuses on the research, testing, and demonstration of satellite-based quantum communication systems.
Free-space connections play a key role in bridging large distances. Satellite-based QKD systems have already successfully demonstrated secure key distribution over distances of around 1,000 kilometers. Of central importance is therefore the modern optical ground station at the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen, which is used for corresponding experiments.
By combining free-space and fiber-optic links, end-to-end connectivity to the user can be achieved within regional and national networks—with or without trusted nodes, depending on the scenario. A key component of the application laboratory is thus the provision of test links and system components for both free-space and fiber connections.QuKomIn verfolgt das Ziel, eine Testinfrastruktur für die Quantenkommunikation unter realen Bedingungen aufzubauen, um sichere Kommunikationstechnologien der Zukunft zu erproben und weiterzuentwickeln. Im Fokus stehen dabei insbesondere die Anforderungen von Behörden und industriellen Anwendern.
Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen
The Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen (OGS-OP) was developed to obtain scientific measurement data in a wide range of free-space optical communication scenarios. This enables, for example, experiments with aircraft and satellites to be carried out.
Quantum Key Distribution over Hybrid Test Links: The goal of the QuKomIn project is to build a hybrid network consisting of satellite connections, fiber-optic networks, and application laboratories for quantum communication.
