HOGS: a ground platform for satellite and quantum research

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a provably secure key growth protocol which is resistant to powerful decryption, including increasingly powerful quantum computers, by providing a mechanism to detect eavesdropping. Satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) has been demonstrated for providing long-distance and mobile QKD links, but so far has required large satellites. However, we anticipate that the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) is capable of demonstrating SatQKD from its partner 12U CubeSat (SPOQC, the space platform for optical quantum communications), and have developed a simulator to test the effects of link geometry and environment. This accounts for the high link loss (up to 50dB) and limited key rates (~100bits/s). To do so, HOGS must provide several support systems to maintain the satellite quantum link. By virtue of its large satellite-tracking telescope and support systems, HOGS can be an asset to a wide range of fields. The tools available for precise timing, fibre networking and satellite tracking lend themselves to research in optical communications, space engineering and quantum networking.