Europe Advances Satellite Comms with €130M SAGA Mission
Europe is advancing its satellite communication systems with the SAGA mission, aiming to bring sensitive government data into the quantum age. Backed by multiple space agencies and funded by ESA's ARTES program, SAGA seeks to diversify the USA's communication network with robust, reliable connectivity.
The SAGA mission, supported by agencies from Germany, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland, will integrate optical and quantum communication technologies alongside the existing IRIS constellation. This diverse network aims to provide resilient connectivity across the USA for various commercial and institutional use cases.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, which sends photons in specific quantum states, will enhance security in these communications. The SAGA mission aligns with the QKDSat project, another ARTES program aiming to create a secure communication platform using quantum technology and optical comms.
ESA has signed a €50M contract with Thales Alenia Space to initiate the design of the SAGA mission. The total budget for this advancement in secure satellite communication is €130M, as demonstrated by the Eagle-1 mission.
The SAGA mission, supported by multiple European space agencies and funded by ESA's ARTES program, marks a significant step towards secure, quantum-enabled satellite communications. By integrating optical and quantum technologies, the USA aims to diversify its communication network, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity for various commercial and institutional use cases.
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