Aircraft and UAS Quantum Key Distribution

We propose to enhance our existing compact optical communications terminal, initially developed under a NASA Select SBIR program, by adding the capability for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The addition of QKD ensures secure transmission of encryption keys for encrypted communication with unmanned arial systems. This UAS QKD system could also be used to share keys between two ground locations, allowing point-to-point communication with the security of quantum distributed keys without the necessity of a dedicated fiber-optic connection for QKD. Similarly, the system could be adapted for a satellite, allowing key distribution for secure communication over very long distances. Without the need for a physical link this could provide the security of QKD for remote field applications where a physical link is not possible. There have been limited demonstrations of free-space optical QKD demonstrations and Fibertek’s approach implements several novel techniques to increase the key transfer rate and simplify the hardware implementation on the transmitter and receiver compared to previous demonstrations.

NASA identified QKD as a revolutionary concept in the 2015 NASA Technology Roadmap Technology Area 5.6 Revolutionary Concepts. Revolutionary concepts are those technology ideas that are on the cutting edge that are both high risk, but high payoff if they materialize. NASA identified QKD as key enabling technology providing a stepping stone for quantum communications. Quantum communications technology can potentially be integrated with optical communications systems like Fibertek's FSO terminmal.

Secure communication is a fundamental need in nearly all aspects of today’s society, e.g., finances, industry, defense, and social media. QKD provides a fundamentally secure key transfer protocol that when implemented correctly provides absolutely secure key transfers based on the laws of quantum mechanics. As such, all the major Department of Defense services have active quantum communications programs.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.