Concepts for utilization of quantum communications and quantum key distribution

Paper number

IAC-19,B2,7,11,x54941

Author

Dr. Harry Shaw, United States, NASA GSFC

Coauthor

Dr. David Thayer, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Joshua Heiner, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Guangning Yang, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Dr. Haleh Safavi, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Dr. Virginia Ayres, United States, Michigan State University

Coauthor

Dr. Esam El-Araby, United States, KU - The University of Kansas

Coauthor

Dr. Shantanu Gupta, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Dr. Mark Wan, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Dr. Yuqing Zhu, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Mr. Naveed Naimipour, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Coauthor

Mr. Patel Mihir, United States, NASA GSFC

Coauthor

Dr. Michael Krainak, United States, NASA

Coauthor

Dr. Manohar Deshpande, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Dr. Steven Stochaj, United States, New Mexico State University

Coauthor

Prof. Mojtaba Soltanalian, United States, University of Illinois at Chicago

Coauthor

Mr. Cristian Herrera, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Haozhi Dong, United States, Michigan State University

Coauthor

Dr. Kan Xie, United States, Michigan State University

Coauthor

Mr. Garub Panda, United States, Michigan State University

Coauthor

Ms. Aimee Hatfield, United States, New Mexico State University

Coauthor

Ms. Melissa Moreno, United States, New Mexico State University

Coauthor

Mr. Mahmud Naveed, United States, KU - The University of Kansas

Coauthor

Mr. Noah Cowper, United States, University of Wyoming

Coauthor

Mr. Nikola Novakovic, United States, University of Illinois at Chicago

Coauthor

Dr. Deborah Preston, United States, University of Maryland - College Park

Coauthor

Mr. Armen Caroglanian, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Mr. Peter Fetterer, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Ms. Lavida Cooper, United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Space Flight Center

Coauthor

Mr. David Israel, United States, NASA

Year

2019

Abstract

As secure space communications becomes more desirable, quantum based communications systems have the potential to become a high performing option. NASA/GSFC with its partner institutions is pursuing a variety of technology thrusts to enable the practical application of quantum communications in future NASA missions. This paper will discuss some of those technology areas. 
We will discuss methods being developed by GSFC and University of Kansas for securing and auto-synchronizing communication over free-space optics using quantum key distribution and chaotic systems. In such a scenario, the security of the system would stem from the sensitivity to initial conditions. Furthermore, specific windows of single chaotic runs can be harvested to be used with encoder/decoder in a cyclic manner. Not only would the security of such a system be unique, the initial conditions can be transmitted via a quantum key distribution to add another layer of security to the system.	 
We will discuss work being performed by GSFC and Michigan State University in analysis and development of solid-state quantum communications materials and devices. These will be necessary for devices capable of processing and routing quantum information on-board a spacecraft.
In recent years, advancements in the understanding of quantum properties has led to a wide range of promising applications. One such application is orbital angular momentum (OAM) being leveraged for secure optical communications. The utilization of OAM properties can be done via highly precise function values that can then be modulated using different constellations. GSFC and University of Wyoming are developing plans for such encoders and decoders to be designed specifically for applications such as space communications. 
We will also discuss work and potential forward work with other partners.
Opportunities for demonstration exists in a variety of possible venues from balloons to CubeSats. We will discuss the potential for a low cost, high altitude balloon to balloon quantum communications demonstration to be carried out under the University of Wyoming Space Grant that can further show its distinctive advantages in relation to secure optical communications.

Abstract document

IAC-19,B2,7,11,x54941.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,B2,7,11,x54941.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.