The brief
- SES operates 70+ satellites in GEO and MEO orbits serving broadcasters, internet, mobile and governments globally.
- Leads 20-member European consortium building Eagle-1, pathfinder for EuroQCI sovereign quantum-secure network.
- Eagle-1 now launches no earlier than 2027, then three years of in-orbit tests before wider EuroQCI use.
Technical approach
Satellite fleet
Multi-orbit satellite network
SES operates satellites in GEO and MEO orbits for global coverage and low latency.
QKD payload
Quantum key distribution from space
Quantum payload generates and transmits quantum-encoded keys via laser. Eavesdropping collapses quantum state, immediately detected.
Ground network
Optical ground stations receive quantum keys
Optical terminals in Germany and Netherlands receive quantum keys via laser, bypassing radio-frequency vulnerable channels.
QKD center
Key-management operations in Luxembourg
SES hosts Eagle-1 operations and key-management center in Luxembourg, anchor for EuroQCI infrastructure.
