Successful Space Demonstration of QRNG-PQC Module with Squareroot8

15 December 2023, SINGAPORE – NuSpace and Squareroot8 Technologies have successfully demonstrated a light-weight prototype of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) key exchange between a nano-satellite, NuLIoN, and a Singapore Ground Station using keys generated by an on-board Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) chipset. This first of its kind demonstration provides a cost-effective solution to the risk of future quantum computers breaking satellite communications. This result is also a testament to the feasibility and accessibility of space-based quantum-safe communication and space-ready quantum technologies, as well as the engineering capabilities of the collaboration partnership.

At the heart of the demonstration is a single-board QRNG-PQC module that is solely responsible for the quantum-secure key generation and quantum-safe key exchange. Its small footprint on NuLIoN allows the multi-mission 3U nano-satellite to perform several other applications with its payloads. In particular, its form-factor allows the QRNG-PQC module to be deployed in other satellites while minimising engineering considerations.

With the prospect of quantum computing becoming a reality, many organisations and businesses are beginning to explore and adopt quantum-safe communication solutions. The QRNG-PQC module will posit itself uniquely as a trade-off between feasibility and security for quantum-safe satellite communications.

While quantum key distribution (QKD) via satellite is often discussed as a potential quantum-safe solution for space communications, its susceptibility to environmental factors, including light pollution and weather conditions, results in generally low key-generation rates during implementation. Consequently, it may not be the most suitable option for widespread deployment across various locations. A more practical and effective approach involves leveraging existing satellite communication technologies and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms, complemented by line-of-sight physical security measures, to ensure the security of space communications. Indeed, the implementation of PQC is considered cost-effective, with a shorter product-to-market runway and higher throughput compared to QKD implementations in space. For these reasons, PQC emerges as the preferred key exchange protocol for space communication. Furthermore, the QRNG-PQC solution not only produces quantum-secure keys reminiscent of entanglement-based QKD but also adopts quantum-safe PQC key exchange, ensuring the secure exchange of sufficient keys for practical commercial and civil applications such as IoT connectivity, remote sensing, and communications.

“The successful demonstration of the QRNG-PQC on-board NuLIoN has certainly left our footsteps on the history of commercial quantum-safe satellite communications. I am hopeful that this result will pave the way for cost-effective secure satellite communication solutions, even into the quantum era. This achievement would not have been possible without the innovation, craftmanship and grit of the team from Squareroot8 and NuSpace who has contributed to this project. Moving forward, I am confident that we will continue to enjoy a fruitful partnership with NuSpace and together, we will scale greater heights in the future as a team.”, Dr. Goh Koon Tong, Chief Executive & Co-Founder of Squareroot8 Technologies.

“I am both honoured and excited to share this remarkable achievement alongside Squareroot8 with the world. Our dedicated team of engineers and scientists have worked tirelessly to bring this revolutionary technology to fruition, and today’s success marks a significant step forward in advancing the security and capabilities of satellite communications. At NuSpace, we have always been committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space technology. The successful deployment and testing of our jointly developed QRNG-PQC module is a testament to our unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence.” Mr. Ng Zhen Ning, Chief Executive & Founder of NuSpace.

Following NuLIoN’s launch, the R&D team at NuSpace and Squareroot8 are looking at improving the performance and efficiency of the QRNG-PQC module towards its productization. The next milestone for the QRNG-PQC module is its deployment in field tests for commercial applications. Interested parties who are looking to integrate quantum-safe satellite communications into their businesses are welcomed to contact NuSpace or Squareroot8.

About NuSpace

NuSpace is a Singapore-based satellite builder, spun-off from National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering. NuSpace builds satellites addressing connectivity gaps in remote locations offering satellite-based IoT connectivity and Satellite-As-A-Service. The Company is developing a LoRaWAN-based constellation of IoT nanosatellites to serve remote areas with lacking infrastructure, providing reliable connectivity for delay-tolerant applications in industries such as asset tracking and agriculture. Satellite As A Service provides customers with satellite mission design and analysis, satellite building, payload ridesharing, and develop custom components if needed. For more information, please visit www.nuspace.sg.

About Squareroot8 Technologies

Squareroot8 Technologies (SQRT8) is a Singapore-based quantum silicon photonics company that develops advanced microelectronic devices, which performs cutting-edge quantum information processing and communication applications using their proprietary quantum algorithms and protocols. SQRT8 believes that quantum technology can improve life for all and the miniaturisation of quantum device is the key for its mass-adoption. As a spinoff company from world-leading quantum research lab at the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering, SQRT8 team has a strong quantum research heritage as well as technical knowledge to bring quantum devices from the lab to the market.