Let’s go for steps. Classic computers operate with bits that are 0 or 1. these act as the brain connections that open or close the unions between neurons. Thus, closing or opening are the only two options they handle. For its part, Quantum computers use cubits, which can be 0, 1, or an overlap of both simultaneously. That is, they can (very basically) connection and disconnection at the same time or what physicists call overlap.
This ability to overlap allows quantum computers to process and calculate at an exponentially greater speed than classical computers. And when we say exponentially, we refer to seconds against years. The positive side is that simulations, calculations and information processing will be carried out in just a flicker. Something that will benefit science in sectors that range from engineering, medicine, astronomy … All science will benefit.
But it is a double -edged sword: its ability to open and close doors at the same time, allows it to become a master key for hackers that can decipher keys in, again, a blink. Thus, The great challenge of the future of communications is to develop a system that uses quantum computing… but don’t let others use it against them.
This is where the advance of Thales Alenia Space and the quantum or QKD key distribution technology for its acronym in English. It is about First Spanish geostationary system QKD-Geo and will allow to shield the information in the face of future threats of quantum computing and strengthen safe communications infrastructure in Europe.
The quantum key distribution uses principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys between two parts. Unlike classical cryptography, which is based on complex mathematical problems, The security of the QKD is based on the fundamental laws of physics. In a nutshell, what he does is “focus on the envelope and not on the letter”. While current communication systems send hundreds of photons through cables to send a message, in this case only one photon, the key is sent.
The issuer sends it and if the receiver does not receive it, he knows that the “letter” has been intercepted. Any attempt at an intruder to intercept or measure the quantum states of the photons used in the process will disturb them Inevitably (as if we see that someone opened the envelope upon receiving the letter), creating a detectable anomaly that alerts the parties.
Thus, the advantage of quantum keys lies in their inviolability. In fact, and thanks to the laws of quantum physics, a quantum key can only be read once. If someone tries to copy or spy on it, that action alters its state and automatically destroys it. Therefore, any attempt to intrusion is instantly exposed.
This week, Thales Alenia Space has begun to launch the first Spanish geostationary system of quantum key (QKD-geo) along with Hispasat. To date, There is no quantum key distribution system in the world operating from geostationary orbit. The project includes a quantum payload aboard a satellite that will transmit key to global scale.
Why from space? Send the information by the Earth’s fiber networks has its limitations: a single photon can be trapped in the curves or imperfections of the fibers. The problem is that The “reliable” distance that these photons can travel without getting lost along the way, does not exceed 500 km away. This is where space enters.
In the void of the cosmos, the possibilities of a photon is shocked with another particle and “contaminated” are almost null. So, Geoestationary satellites (located more than 30,000 km high) guarantee safe communications at the continental level.
In the course of the project they will be carried out Field tests with an atmospheric link of 140 km between the islands of La Palma and Tenerifewhich will validate the operation of both the land segment and the payload under representative conditions, as a prior step to its deployment in the operational mission in orbit.
In parallel to the development of the quantum key distribution system, Thales is working on the following essential steps before the arrival of quantum technology: quantum sensors, quantum computing, quantum information networks and post-chartography.
Quantum sensors work because quantum states are extremely sensitive to any external disturbance. Thanks to this, They can achieve much greater performance than classic sensorsin addition to being smaller and facilitating the miniaturization of technology. Thales is developing different types of quantum sensors, including sensors capable of detecting electromagnetic fields, magnetometers, accelerometers and inertia units.
Post-quantic cryptography, meanwhile, consists of The development of encryption systems designed to withstand the attacks of quantum computersa complementary approach to the QKD.
We often take the technology and have ceased to surprise ourselves by the advances. But if we think about it for a second … in this case, a group of scientists and technology experts, has achieved (basically) select a particular photon (the smallest elementary particle), write a message in it and that this can only be read once and by a particular person.