SES builds quantum link between Earth and space
New ground station in Noordwijk will serve as EAGLE-1’s primary ground connection
Around 30 kilometres from The Hague, a new optical ground station is taking shape at the NL Space Campus in Noordwijk. The facility will use laser technology to connect with EAGLE-1, Europe’s first satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, and demonstrate how quantum technology can protect sensitive data over long distances.
EAGLE-1 addresses a growing security question: how can Europe exchange the encryption keys protecting its most sensitive information without anyone secretly intercepting them?
Safeguarding sensitive data using QKD
Most digital security depends on encryption keys: strings of information used to lock and unlock data. Large-scale quantum computers could eventually break many forms of public-key encryption used today. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a different approach, using the principles of quantum physics to share encryption keys. Any attempt to observe the quantum signal changes it, allowing the sender and receiver to detect possible eavesdropping.
One limitation of land-based QKD is its range: signals travelling through fibre weaken over long distances. Satellites can help overcome this by distributing quantum keys over greater distances via ground stations. By connecting EAGLE-1 with compatible ground stations, European countries will be able to deploy secure key distribution within and across borders.
The Noordwijk station will receive keys from the satellite through laser beams. A telescope inside a dome will track EAGLE-1 as it passes overhead. Advanced optics will correct small distortions caused by moving air and changes in temperature, helping the laser stay precise.
Led by SES, EAGLE-1 brings together a low-Earth-orbit satellite and a ground network developed by a consortium of 20 European partners. Co-funded by the European Space Agency, the European Union, national space agencies and industry, its three-year demonstration will test an end-to-end European system for sharing quantum keys.
Building EAGLE-1’s primary ground connection
SES and Airbus Netherlands have signed a ground lease with the Municipality of Noordwijk for the site, next to the European Space Agency’s technical centre. Airbus will build the station for SES, while TNO leads its technical delivery and provides the advanced optics.
Once operational, the system could support organisations handling sensitive information, including governments and banks. According to the Municipality of Noordwijk, construction should take about a year, followed by testing until early 2028.
About SES
SES is a Luxembourg-headquartered space solutions company with offices around the world, including The Hague. It provides satellite connectivity to governments and businesses and leads the EAGLE-1 consortium.
Breaking the ground of the EAGLE-1 Optical Ground Station, Muoordwijk, the Netherlandsnicipality of N
