Towards Quantum Communications with Satellites

Satellite based quantum communications will enable long distances, or even global quantum networking, of quantum optical signals. We give an overview on the activities towards implementing proposed Canadian Quantum Satellite Mission, Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) [1]. We will summarize laboratory tests of the payload components and its demonstration to establish quantum links between a ground station and an aircraft. These results establish the viability of a quantum communication receiver satellite.