QKD Downlink Study: From OPSSAT VOLT to the C3PO Optical Ground Station at ESOC

In 30 seconds

This end-to-end link budget assessment evaluates the requirements for QKD downlinks from the OPSSAT VOLT LEO mission to the C3PO optical ground station. The analysis addresses the significant challenges of high-dynamic link geometry, single-photon detection, and atmospheric turbulence mitigation. These findings are vital for the in-orbit validation of quantum communication technology and the successful integration of global secure quantum networks.