LEO Network Protection: A satellite network provides Device-Independent QKD (DI-QKD), which secures keys based on the laws of physics rather than mathematical hardness.
Security Longevity: For assets intended to survive for centuries (like those in the Lattice protocol), satellite-based QKD ensures that even if current encryption is cracked retroactively, the distribution of new keys remains secure.
3. Integrating Repeaters and Single-Atom Memories
To function as a true network rather than just a series of point-to-point links, LEO satellites must eventually house quantum repeaters.
Building Blocks: The single-atom memories and "light trap" optical cavities developed at Stanford and USTC are the "exact building blocks" required for this.
Interfacing: These memories can store quantum states (qubits) in orbit while separate network segments are linked together.
Signal Conversion: Quantum Frequency Conversion (QFC) is used to shift photons to low-loss telecom bands so they can travel effectively between the satellite and ground stations