Quantum Technologies In Space ' A Rapidly Growing Niche Field

• Published date: 04 July 2022
• Subject Matter: Intellectual Property, Patent
• Law Firm: Marks & Clerk
• Author: Ms Franziska Luckert

I remember learning at university about quantum entanglement and Erwin Schr'dinger's famous thought experiment relating to the hypothetical cat in a box that is considered to be dead and alive at the same time. Quantum key distribution relies on quantum entanglement and promises unconditional security, which is considered as the Holy Grail of communication security. Unlike classical key distribution, the presence of an eavesdropper can be detected by two communicating users. Experimental quantum key distribution has been performed over distances in the order of 100 km in standard telecom fibres as well as in free space.

There seem to be many potential applications of quantum key distribution, including in space-related technologies. According to the quantum technologies and space report prepared by the EPO and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), quantum key distribution is currently the leading application in space-related quantum technologies. More than 77% of the identified space-related quantum technology patent filings relate to this application, which largely accounts for an overall growth in space-related quantum technology patent filings between 2015 and 2020.

According to the report, there is a clear sense of urgency to develop new secure communication methods, in the wake of...