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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/S000364/1
Title: Augmentation of Space-based Quantum Key Distribution with CubeSat Systems
Principal Investigator: Rarity, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: Technology Programme
Starts: 01 March 2018 Ends: 28 February 2019 Value (£): 7,874
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
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Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
CubeSats (< 10 kg nanosatellites, with dimensions 10-40 cm) offer a cost-effective and rapidly deployed opportunity to both

provide proof-of-concept to a wider market and technology raising. In some instances, they are also part of the final

service delivery; for example, in the case of Planet which augments larger satellites with CubeSats for responsive Earth

observation. This feasibility study seeks to determine the extent to which the momentum and agility of the CubeSat

marketplace and the progress made in overall performance can be applied and aligned to support and capitalise on the

emergence of space-based Quantum Key Distribution, harnessing the developments already underway within the UK in

payload systems. QKD offers a highly secure method for key distribution critical to modern data systems security from

financial transactions to military communications. The work will inform mission architecture, interface specification, system

testing and development roadmaps, and further provide a systems-view across stakeholders. The approach will identify

opportunities to accelerate and augment the technology or service readiness of space-based QKD using CubeSats.

Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Summary
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Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk