Colt, Honeywell, and Nokia are collaborating in 2025 to trial space-based quantum-safe cryptography, aiming to protect encrypted data from quantum computing risks. This initiative uses space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) to overcome terrestrial distance limitations, offering a solution to the vulnerability of traditional encryption methods to quantum computers.
QKD's range is limited to about 100 kilometers on Earth, but moving it into space can achieve global coverage. The companies will test QKD using low Earth orbit satellites for ultra-long distances, including transatlantic reach, benefiting organizations handling sensitive data such as financial firms, healthcare providers, and government bodies.
This collaboration seeks to safeguard customers from future cybersecurity risks and protect networks against quantum threats. The trial comes after Colt's previous efforts to enhance quantum security across terrestrial infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity innovation. The companies will be testing quantum-safe cryptography techniques, which will be crucial for sectors that manage highly sensitive data.