Quantum Dice, a spinout from the University of Oxford’s quantum optics laboratory, and SpeQtral, a leading quantum communications technology company, proudly announce the launch and use of the Zenith Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), a product designed for space, to enable secure quantum communication technologies in the upcoming SpeQtral-1 satellite mission.
SpeQtral-1, SpeQtral’s second quantum key distribution (QKD) satellite, builds on the ongoing work on the SpeQtre mission as well as on technologies demonstrated on the 2019 SpooQy-1 CubeSat. It will serve as a commercial pathfinder and demonstrator to define the future of global quantum secure communication services. This pioneering mission features Quantum Dice’s Zenith QRNG, SpeQtral’s entanglement and weak coherent quantum payloads, and a laser communications system in a 16U CubeSat. This will allow SpeQtral to showcase and experiment with different quantum-secure protocols, including QKD based on entanglement, weak coherent pulses, as well as alternative higher-speed key delivery techniques. The range of methods will address various end-user requirements and applications, establishing SpeQtral-1 as a leader in compact quantum-safe key distribution satellites.
The Zenith QRNG is Quantum Dice’s first-ever space product. Crafted to deliver a high-rate, robust, and low Size, Weight, and Power consumption (SWaP) solution, the Zenith QRNG features Quantum Dice’s proprietary DISCTM protocol. Boasting a world-leading data rate of 200 to 1000 Mbps, it sets a pioneering benchmark for secure quantum communication in space.
Marko von der Leyen, Quantum Dice CTO, remarked: “Quantum Dice’s Zenith device has been engineered to withstand harsh environments in space without compromising on the security standards of the continuous live verification of our quantum randomness. We are proud to be a partner on the SpeQtral mission with our ultra-fast Gbps-class system, supporting an important domain of future communications.”
SpeQtral Co-Founder and CEO, Lum Chune Yang, further emphasized: “SpeQtral-1 is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of secure communication in space. With Quantum Dice’s cutting-edge technology, we’re not just launching a satellite; we’re pioneering a new era of quantum communication, providing a range of quantum-safe key distribution capabilities. Our mission is to redefine the possibilities of secure communication, and SpeQtral-1 is a crucial step in that journey.”
Click here to learn more about Quantum Dice’s DISCTM Protocol.
