Small Satellite and Satellite Quantum Cryptographic Communications

We are conducting research and development to realize highly confidential and secure satellite communications using light waves, which not only have a higher frequency than radio waves, but also hold the capacity to sending more information in a shorter period of time.

The ‘laser beam’ used in optical satellite communications is narrow enough to safely deliver important information without being seen or stolen.

Work on researching and developing quantum cryptography in satellite communications has been ongoing since 2018. A prototype of a portable ground station that enhances accessibility on the ground has been achieved through this work.

A portable ground station is an optical telescope mounted on a vehicle that can be moved to a location with good weather conditions to reliably communicate with satellites and connect to the terrestrial Internet network.

Work on miniaturization is anticipated going forward, alongside demonstration tests.

We have also developed the world’s smallest gimbal-mounted optical communication device for onboard satellites, and has been conducting demonstration tests in space by installing it on small satellites such as the ‘HODOYOSHI-2’ (RISESAT) and ‘SOCRATES’.

These technologies are expected to be useful for space development and the space industry, as well as for the development of communication technologies in times of disaster.