Quantum Technology@DLR GSOC

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Quantum computing is a strongly emerging field. With the advances of the hardware a new era of so called NISQ (Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum) devices are available now. Exploring the applications and developing applications of this new technology in terms of quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum methods is the goal of this quantum technology research group. Here the group engages in various fields as combinatorical optimizations, optimal control theory, quantum machine learning, quantum error correction, quantum key distribution, education, and support advisory boards regarding quantum computer development.

Quantum Technology@DLR GSOC: Space and satellite missions operation consists of various complex software systems with numerous automated and computer assisted tasks. The German Space Operations Center has a genuine interest to develop and use new processes and technologies. The research group supports the introduction and implementation of quantum technology in space operations with focus on scheduling and planning, communication, satellite control and data analysis. Hereby we collaborate with and are embedded in a rich network including many other groups from DLR, research institutes as e.g. LMU, TUM, UniBW, LRZ and industry partners interested in quantum computing.

More  information about Quantum Mission Planning Challenges (QMPC).

Towards a Quantum Spacecraft Operations Centre (Journal of Space Operations & Communicator)

Fields of activity
 
Optimization Algorithms

SQOS: Spacecraft Quantum Oncall Scheduling

  • Scherer 'Scalable quantum algorithm for scheduling problems',  BA thesis
  • Scherer et. al. ‘OnCall Operator Scheduling for Satellites with Grover’s Algorithm’, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77980-1_2 In: 21st International Conference on Computational Science, (ICCS 2021)
  • Prüfer et. al. ‘Quantum Shift Scheduling - A Comparison to Classical Approaches’. In: 12th International Workshop on Planning and Scheduling for Space (IWPSS 2021)

QMPC: Quantum Mission Planning Challenge

  • Implementation of quantum algorithms for scheduling problems and their analysis
  • Integration of algorithmic solutions into the operational landscape 
Optimal Control Theory

Munich Quantum Valley: Hardware adapted theory and optimal control of qubits

  • Numerical optimizations for optimal control of qubits for different hardware systems and algorithms
  • Full stack Quantum Computer development embedded between hard- and software layer

GRAPE4Space: Robust Satellite Attitude via Control Theory

  •  Landgraf ‘Robust Satellite Attitude via Control Theory’, MA thesis
  • Cooperation with Seranis Satellite Project
  • Cooperation with Satellite Flash Finder Project
Quantum Machine Learning

QAthMOS: Telemetry and Health Monitoring System

  • Anomaly detection in stellite telemetry data using QML
  • Quantum Support Vector Machines
  • Data encoding strategies
Quantum Error Correction
 

R-QIP: Reliable Quantum Information Processing

  • Countermeasures against quantum errors in NISQ devices

Optimization of error correction codes

Quantum Key Distribution

MuQuaNet: A quantum key distribution fiber network:

  • Integration of a QKD system into the satellite ground segment data transfer
Education

Feasibility studies and knowledge transfer:

  • Evaluation and translation of specific classical problems

Quantum Computing Hackathons: 5 days hands-on workshops on quantum algorithms with credit points

  • WS 2020 – The Grover Algorithm
  • SS 2020 – Graph Coloring
  • WS 2021 – Quantum Sudoku
  • WS 2022 – Logical puzzles
Miscellaneous
  • DLR expert-council to support development of quantum computing technologies
  • ELEVATE (Enhanced probLEm solVing with quAntum compuTErs) project to enable other DLR institutes for quantum technology
  • European Standardization Initiative on Quantum Technologies
  • Hosted symposium - 'QuantumKeyDistribution in Space' with LMU and ESA (Q3 2019)
  • Various invited talks at Industry and Research institutions