SES and SpeQtral have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop an interoperable Optical Ground Station (OGS) designed to support long-distance satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) between Asia and Europe. The initiative aims to connect current and upcoming QKD satellite missions from both companies, enabling secure encryption key exchange over intercontinental distances. The first OGS is planned for construction in Singapore, where it will integrate with the country’s National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+), forming a hybrid system combining satellite and fibre-based quantum networks.
By enabling interoperability across satellite platforms and ground infrastructure, the SES–SpeQtral collaboration intends to lower deployment costs, broaden access to QKD services, and accelerate the development of a global quantum-secure network. The agreement also opens the door for SES to expand into non-EU markets and provide encrypted communications solutions to commercial customers across multiple geographies. QKD satellites in low Earth orbit, including those supported by SpeQtral and SES’s EAGLE-1 initiative, will underpin the network by generating encryption keys in space and distributing them securely to compatible ground stations.
SpeQtral is currently working on two QKD satellite missions—SpeQtre and SpeQtral-1—with support from Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn). SpeQtre, a joint Singapore–UK satellite launching later this year, will validate SpeQtral’s quantum-optics system in orbit. Meanwhile, SES continues to advance its EAGLE-1 satellite project in partnership with European stakeholders. Together, these developments signal growing momentum in building secure quantum communication infrastructure on a global scale.
• SES and SpeQtral signed an MoU to co-develop an interoperable Optical Ground Station for QKD.
• The OGS will support secure key distribution between Asia and Europe and connect with Singapore’s NQSN+.
• SES’s EAGLE-1 and SpeQtral’s SpeQtre and SpeQtral-1 satellites will serve as foundational components.
• The first OGS is expected to be located in Singapore to leverage existing quantum R&D efforts.
• The partnership aims to lower barriers for global QKD adoption and promote commercial use of quantum-secure networks.
“Our partnership with SES represents a significant step towards realising commercially viable space-based QKD,” said Chune Yang Lum, CEO of SpeQtral. “By developing a shared OGS infrastructure, we are reducing costs and strengthening the foundation for a truly global quantum-secure network.”
