European Space Agency to Build Quantum Communication Satellites for Pan-European Quantum Communications Network

(SpaceWatchGlobal) The space-based component, known as SAGA (Security And cryptoGrAphic mission), pan-European quantum communication infrastructure will be developed under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) responsibility and consists of satellite quantum communication systems with pan-European reach.
Magali Vaissiere, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, said: “Only by stimulating innovation can Europe place itself at the forefront of technology, and nowhere is this more critical than in the field of secure communications. It is our shared ambition to demonstrate that space-based solutions can provide a vital part of the European institutional quantum communications infrastructure. ESA is therefore making available its expertise in satellite and optical communications, in order to meet the technological challenges of delivering quantum key distribution services, which are not achievable by terrestrial solutions alone.”
The development of terrestrial components of the quantum communication infrastructure will be under the responsibility of the EC’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect).