SES and Airbus Netherlands BV have signed a ground lease agreement with the municipality of Noordwijk for a site at the NL Space Campus, near the European Space Agency’s ESTEC technical centre. The location will host a dedicated optical ground station for the EAGLE-1 satellite, supporting secure communications through laser-based technology.
The ground station will serve as the main terrestrial connection for EAGLE-1, a European programme designed to demonstrate end-to-end secure communications using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The technology is intended to strengthen protection of sensitive communications and support future applications in areas such as government and banking.
Airbus will build the station for SES. The facility will include a control room and a dome housing a high-precision telescope capable of tracking satellites required for optical communications. Advanced optical equipment will compensate in real time for atmospheric disturbances, including turbulence caused by changes in air movement and temperature.
“The optical ground station will serve as the primary ground connection for the EAGLE-1 system managed by SES in a public-private partnership with ESA and the European Commission,” said Xavier Bertran, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at SES. “Once operational, the system will allow early adoption of quantum-safe technology by users such as government and banking sectors, enabling next-generation cybersecurity.”
EAGLE-1 is being developed as Europe’s first satellite system to demonstrate end-to-end communications based on quantum technology. The programme combines a satellite, ground infrastructure and laser communications technology to demonstrate QKD over long distances.
Unlike conventional satellite communications that rely on radio frequencies, EAGLE-1 will use laser beams to transmit security keys. The approach is designed to provide a highly secure method for exchanging encryption keys between users and ground infrastructure.
TNO is the prime contractor for the project and will also provide advanced optical technology. Other specialist partners include FSO Instruments, which will supply the sensor; Airbus Netherlands, responsible for the real-time control system; Officina Stellare, which will provide the telescope and dome; and Celestia STS, responsible for the optical digital modem. The project is being developed through a public-private partnership involving SES, the European Space Agency and the European Commission. It represents a major step towards developing European capabilities in quantum-secure communications.
The Noordwijk site will benefit from its location within the NL Space Campus and proximity to ESA’s ESTEC technical centre. The optical ground station is expected to support the development and demonstration of technologies designed to protect communications against emerging cybersecurity threats.
SES said the project forms part of its wider strategy to develop space-based solutions for governments and businesses. The company operates a multi-orbit satellite network combined with terrestrial infrastructure to provide connectivity and other space-enabled services.
Airbus is contributing its expertise in aerospace, defence, space systems and connected services. The company is also involved in the development of advanced technologies aimed at improving the security and reliability of future communications systems. The EAGLE-1 programme is expected to provide an important demonstration platform for Europe’s development of quantum-secure communications and help prepare the technology for wider adoption.
