PIONIER-Q-SAT: safe communication of the future

2026-08-26

PIONIER-Q-SAT: safe communication of the future

PCSS is an active partner in the international consortium behind the PIONIER-Q-SAT project, led by the Research and Academic Computer Network (NASK). This initiative directly builds on the success of the PIONIER-Q project, which established Europe’s longest terrestrial quantum key distribution (QKD) network. The new venture aims to integrate ground-based infrastructure with satellite technologies, thereby laying the foundation for fully eavesdropping-resistant digital systems.

On July 27-28, the consortium partners held their first in-person meeting in Warsaw. The proceedings included a review of achievements to date and a discussion on the next steps required to fully integrate the satellite segment with the terrestrial quantum network. Key topics included the construction of a mobile optical ground station and the development of a dedicated QKD receiver for the Eagle-1 satellite mission. 

The event was opened by NASK Director Dr. Radosław Nielek and Project Manager Dr. Michał Marks. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Digital Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, as well as partners from Poland and Lithuania: Creotech Quantum S.A., the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Presentations covered, among other topics, the main principles of the national quantum policy and the Lithuanian perspective on establishing European quantum security standards. 

Further details regarding national and international digital security (as well as the looming challenge known as “Q-Day”) can be found in an interview with Dr. Michał Marks published on the NASK website.