Feasibility Study for CubeSat Based Trusted Node Configuration Global QKD Network

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) is the most used protocol in the context of quantum cryptography for sharing a private encryption key between two parties. Covid-19 pandemic has raised the ever-increasing need for online communications a lot; this requires enhanced security protocols. QKD has the potential to meet a global scale network's security requirements. Despite considerable progress, all ground-based QKD approaches have distance limitations due to atmospheric or fiber attenuation. A global network scheme can use intersatellite links to establish a trusted node network with constellations. This enables key elements for quantum internet which allows secure exchange of information between quantum computers. The most cost-effective and iterative approach for this goal is to exploit CubeSats. This paper summarizes technical challenges and possible solutions to enable a global QKD network using CubeSats. We discuss practical concerns and alternative paths involved with implementing such systems.