Title:
Vulnerability Mitigation of a Quantum Source for Space-Based Quantum communication
Agreement Number:
22STDPT04
Agreement Value:
$499,905.00
Agreement Date:
Jan 16, 2023 - Mar 31, 2025
Description:
Satellites are critical infrastructure in our technologically advancing world. Daily, we use satellites to navigate, predict weather, and communicate. A successful cyberattack against space infrastructure could be devastating. To prevent such attack, satellites encrypt their communications using keys loaded before launch. If those keys are ever compromised after launch to space, there is no way to load new keys.
QEYnet is developing a solution to this problem using a technology called quantum key distribution (QKD). In QKD, keys are sent to the satellite using photons. Due to the laws of quantum mechanics, any attempt at eavesdropping on a QKD system can be detected, making the keys highly secure.
Though QKD does hold incredible promise, imperfections in the QKD hardware can result in unintended security vulnerabilities. This project will further advance QEYnet’s testing of novel countermeasures to these vulnerabilities, and advance QEYnet’s QKD technology toward commercial readiness.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Maple, Ontario, CA L6A 0X9
Reference Number:
003-2022-2023-Q4-00040
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Recipient's Legal Name:
QEYnet Inc.
Research Organization:
Agence spatiale canadienne|Agence spatiale canadienne
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.