SES, a space solutions company, jointly with Airbus Netherlands B.V. signed a ground lease agreement with the Dutch municipality of Noordwijk for a plot at the NL Space Campus, next to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) technical center ESTeC. The facility will host a dedicated optical ground station (OGS) to communicate with the EAGLE-1 satellite and receive quantum safe keys via laser technology.

The station, to be built by Airbus for SES, will consist of a control room, alongside a dome housing an ultra-precise telescope to track satellites, required for the laser link. To ensure the precision of the laser connection, the station will be equipped with advanced optics allowing it to correct real-time atmospheric distortions, such as turbulence caused by air movement or temperature fluctuations.

“The optical ground station will serve as the primary ground connection for the EAGLE-1 system managed by SES in a public-private partnership with ESA and the European Commission (EC). Once operational, the system will allow early adoption of the quantum-safe technology by users such as government and banking sector, enabling next-generation cybersecurity,” said Xavier Bertran, SES’ Chief Product and Innovation Officer.

Through the EAGLE-1 project, Europe will receive its first satellite to demonstrate end-to-end ultra-secure communication based on quantum technology. Comprising a satellite, a ground network, and advanced laser connection, EAGLE-1 is the first and major step in developing a European system for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Unlike traditional satellites using radio frequencies, the EAGLE-1 satellite link utilizes laser beams to transmit security keys, establishing an optimally secure connection over long distances.

Delivered by the prime contractor TNO, also responsible for advanced optics, the station’s technical implementation will leverage the expertise of other specialized partners, including FSO Instruments for delivering the sensor, Airbus Netherlands for the real-time control system, Officina Stellare for the telescope and dome, and Celestia STS, responsible for the optical digital modem.

Click here to learn more about ESA's EAGLE-1 Satellite Project