Eagle-1 by SES: status and timeline

Milestones

Next · Launch on Vega C from French Guiana

ESA and European Commission approve Eagle-1Sep 2022Complete.
Tesat and SITAEL begin satellite and payload developmentOct 2022Complete.
Satellite assembly and payload integration2024Complete.
Launch on Vega C from French GuianaTarget 2027+36 mo~~originally 2024~~Not yet reached.
In-orbit validation and commissioningTarget 2027Not yet reached.
EuroQCI network deployment across EUTarget 2030Not yet reached.

Most important updates

SES and Airbus secure Noordwijk site for Eagle-1 quantum ground stationJul 2026

Upcoming

2027Launch on Vega C from French Guiana+36 mo~~originally 2024~~ (next)
2027In-orbit validation and commissioning
2030EuroQCI network deployment across EU

Current obstacles

Quantum payload development complexityQuantum systems sensitive to vibration and thermal stress; payload has driven delays.
Weather and atmospheric turbulenceLaser beams dispersed and absorbed by clouds and air turbulence; ground stations limited to clear-sky windows.

Physics limits

Satellite orbital lifespanLEO satellites last 5–10 years before atmospheric drag causes re-entry. Long-term EuroQCI needs replacement cycles.
Single quantum key rate per passOne satellite generates one key stream at a time. Serving European sites requires constellation approach, scaling cost.
Photon detection range limitsSingle photons carrying quantum bits lose range over distance and atmospheric loss; long continental distances may need relay stations.

How it works

3 parts

Quantum payload

Generate quantum keys in orbit

Payload encodes random bits into quantum states and transmits via laser to ground. Measurement collapses state; any interception is detected.

Optical ground link

Laser-based quantum channel to Earth

Optical terminals receive quantum key stream via free-space laser, avoiding radio paths vulnerable to intercept.

Key management

Process and distribute quantum keys

Raw quantum keys are sifted at operations center in Luxembourg, errors removed, secure keys extracted and distributed to users.

Spec sheet

Spec	Eagle-1
Orbital altitude	Low Earth Orbit (LEO)^R (reported)
Program budget	130 million euros^R (reported)
Consortium members	Over 20 companies^R (reported)
Launch vehicle	Vega C^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Update log

1 update

Jul 2026

Minor: SES and Airbus secure Noordwijk site for Eagle-1 quantum ground stationPressCommercial

About SES

The team behind Eagle-1

SES

satellite, quantum key distribution

SES is a Luxembourg satellite operator serving broadcasters, internet, mobile and governments with 70+ GEO and MEO satellites. It leads Eagle-1, Europe's first space-based quantum key distribution system for sovereign secure communications.

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.

ses.com (opens ses.com)Company profile →

Founded: 198541 yrs
Headquarters: Luxembourg
Status: Public
Valuation: public
Works in: QuantumQuantum networks & sensingSpaceflight
Coverage: 2 programs · 2 updateslatest 1 Jul 2026checked 11 Oct
Partners: European Space Agency (opens esa.int)Airbus (opens airbus.com)
Suppliers: Tesat Spacecom (opens tesat.de)

Spec

Eagle-1

Orbital altitude

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)^R (reported)

Program budget

130 million euros^R (reported)

Consortium members

Over 20 companies^R (reported)

Launch vehicle

Vega C^R (reported)