QUARTZ signing

Magali Vaissiere, ESA Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, and Nicole Robinson, SVP Global Government, SES Networks, sign the QUARTZ contract on 2 May 2018 in Toulouse, France.

QUARTZ is a new platform aimed at providing a global satellite-based service for next-generation quantum key distribution of encryption keys, for use in geographically-dispersed networks. Possible applications address needs of such users as telecommunication operators, financial organisations, critical infrastructure providers, institutions and governmental organisations.

QUARTZ is a project developed under the umbrella of a new part of ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) that is dedicated to quantum technologies. The SeCure and Laser communication Technology programme (ScyLight), fosters the development, deployment and wider market adoption of innovative optical technologies for satellite communications.