prCEN/CLC/TR XXX

Standardization needs for satellite based QKD prCEN/CLC/TR XXX

Scope

The “Stan d ard izatio n n eed s for satellite-based QKD” work item will provide insights that will influence future stan d ard izatio n effo rts.
The scope is specified in the tentative Table of Co n ten ts:
- Current state of the art and best practices in SatQKD.
This chapter will give the context and starting point of the work item, referencing technology developments for
SatQKD and ongoing quantum satellite missions. The European efforts in creating a QKD network should be
highlighted, where the terrestrial and space segments seamlessly integrate for end-to-end QKD key provisioning
between any pair of users dispersed world-wide. Satellites in different kind of orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) and
constellations, as well as different types of QKD schemes, like prepare and measure or entanglement-based will
be considered. The outcome of this chapter are relevant mission scenarios and architectures.
- Identification of functional blocks, information flows and corresponding interfaces in SatQKD.
For the relevant architectures. identified in the previous chapter, more detailed descriptions of the functional blocks will
be given. This meansnot only a description of what it does, but also the data that is processed in these blocks and the
corresponding functional interfaces.
- Identification of the HW and SW components in the functional blocks.
The HW components and the general requirements of the functional blocks identified in the previous chapter will be
provided. The HW components shall be agnostic to the actual implementation as much as possible.
- Identifying standardization needs.
The blocks identified previously are potential subjects of standardization, as well as their interfaces and the associated
architecture. In this chapter, they will be analysed from the point of view of standardization. This includes an analysis of
components and interfaces which are already standardized for different purposes, e.g., laser communication terminals
for optical communications. The corresponding standardization gaps shall be identified. These may include gaps
related to physical interfaces, software interfaces, and metrology to characterise components and subsystems, as well
as management: configuration management, fault management, performance management and security
management.
− Priorities for SatQKD standardization
In this chapter, a critical revision of the components and relations (interfaces) discussed in the previous chapterwill be
performed to suggest priorities for standardization of SatQKD. In particular, the standardization readiness level will be
considered. This is particularly relevant for those components that are in the early stages of technological
development, where a premature standardization might impose unneeded rigidity. Again, this analysis shall consider
existing standards which can be applied for SatQKD.