Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands Quantum Division
About
The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) is a Spanish astrophysics research center founded in 1982 and headquartered in La Laguna, Tenerife. Its Quantum Division participates in Spain's QKD-GEO quantum key distribution geostationary satellite mission, joining the industrial consortium led by Thales Alenia Space that is developing quantum communications technology for space-based quantum key distribution. The institute brings astrophysics expertise and Canary Islands astronomical facilities to quantum communications research and testing. A field test campaign is planned between the Spanish islands of La Palma and Tenerife, covering a 140-km atmospheric link to validate the ground segment and quantum payload before the operational mission is implemented in orbit. IAC collaborates with the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the University of Vigo, Thales Alenia Space, and Hispasat to advance quantum communications from space. The institute serves the European Space Agency, quantum technology companies, and research institutions that need space-based quantum communications research, atmospheric quantum transmission testing, and ground station development for satellite QKD systems.
Quantum Specifications
| Quantum Focus | hardware |