UK Government Has Awarded £850,000 to 3 Space Projects in Scotland; Craft Prospect Limited Received £345,433 for QKD Secure Telecommunication

(MirageNews) The UK Government Has Awarded £850,000 to three space projects in Scotland, one of which is developing quantum key distribution technology. The cash injection is going to high-risk, high-reward projects that support companies and universities with radical ideas for how we tackle climate change through earth observation or address satellite communications challenges, from providing greater connectivity to remote places to increasing the efficiency of our homes.
The Glasgow-based Craft Prospect Limited received £345,433 and will use quantum key distribution (QKD). The Responsive Operations for Key Services (ROKS) mission will demonstrate technologies for future secure telecommunication systems using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and supported by artificial intelligence. This phase of work will progress the flight payload and ground test systems before a final build to demonstrate in-orbit by 2022. To date the work has developed the mission concept, proved the technology basis for highly miniaturized space-ready quantum systems and AI toolbox, and secured opportunities with multinational finance, telecommunication and data providers for cybersecurity. The consortium harnesses Glasgow and UK-wide technology and skills at Strathclyde University, Bristol University, and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) Glasgow.