Spain - Research and experimental development services

Description

The purpose of this R&D services contract is to develop innovative solutions involving the development of two prototypes of experimental payloads and their associated ground segments that will constitute complete end-to-end quantum key generation and distribution systems (QKD System) with a view to the availability of secure communications technologies for Public Administrations and other operators. These systems are not currently commercially available, and will therefore require the development of new technological elements, as well as the adaptation to the space environment of technologies such as photon sources, quantum random number generators, telescopes for optical communications compatible with the transmission of quantum states and processors for the distillation of keys received by quantum channel, among others. A new ground segment will also be required to control and manage the innovative quantum key distribution service and its potential integration with the future European Euro-QCI network. Specifically, this contract is for the development of two payloads and their associated ground segments: one to be loaded on a geostationary satellite (GEO) and the other to be loaded on a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This contract is also a necessary action to achieve the objectives defined in the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (hereinafter PRTR), in Component 15, "Digital connectivity, boosting cybersecurity and 5G deployment", investment 5 "Deployment of cross-border digital infrastructures" and in particular in its third measure "Other cross-border digital infrastructure R&D&I projects: Secure communications satellite system: A secure multi-orbit secure connectivity system, both in low orbit and geostationary orbit, which would complement the EU's space capacity, ensuring its digital and technological sovereignty in connectivity" and will contribute to Milestone/objective CID 241 "Improved connectivity of cross-border digital infrastructure: Awarding" and CID Milestone/Objective 242 "Improved connectivity of cross-border digital infrastructure: project completion" of the Annex to the Council Implementing Decision on the approval of the evaluation of the Spanish recovery and resilience plan.The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, and in particular, the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure (hereinafter SETELECO), is the executing entity of this investment of Component 15 of the PRTR, although it has designated CDTI as the instrumental entity for its execution, by Resolution of October 18, 2022, as amended on August 3, 2023. This tender also implements one of the actions included in the Aerospace PERTE (action number 8 "ACT 8-satellite and terrestrial systems for quantum communications"), so it will be carried out in coordination with the Commissioner for the Aerospace PERTE and/or the Spanish Space Agency.
Development and validation (on ground) of a prototype payload for quantum key distribution from Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Development and validation (on ground) of a prototype payload for quantum key distribution from Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Opportunity closing date

20 October 2023

Value of contract

more than £50m