Airbus Netherlands, jointly with space solutions company SES, recently signed a ground lease agreement with the Municipality of Noordwijk. The plot is on the NL Space Campus, close to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) technical centre ESTEC, and is for a facility that will host a dedicated optical ground station to communicate with the Eagle-1 satellite and receive quantum safe keys via laser technology. There was a special event on 14 July at SBIC Noordwijk, next door to the site for the ground station, to mark the launch of the project.
The following is an edited version of the Airbus press release
The optical ground station for Eagle-1, to be built by Airbus for SES, will consist of a control room, alongside a dome housing an ultra-precise telescope to track satellites, required for the laser link. To ensure the precision of the laser connection, the station will be equipped with advanced optics allowing it to correct real-time atmospheric distortions, such as turbulence caused by air movement or temperature fluctuations.
“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. Once operational, the system will allow early adoption of the quantum-safe technology by users such as governments and banking sector, enabling next-generation cybersecurity,” says Xavier Bertran, SES’ chief product and innovation officer.
Eagle-1 and secure quantum communications
Through the Eagle-1 project, Europe will receive its first satellite to demonstrate end-to-end ultra-secure communication based on quantum technology. Comprising a satellite, a ground network and advanced laser connection, Eagle-1 is the first and major step in developing a European system for quantum key distribution (QKD). Unlike traditional satellites using radio frequencies, the Eagle-1 satellite link utilises laser beams to transmit security keys, establishing an optimally secure connection over long distances.
Delivered by prime contractor TNO (advanced optics), the project brings together the expertise of FSO Instruments (sensor), Celestia STS (optical digital modem), the Italian Officina Stellare (telescope and dome), and Airbus (real-time control system and system integration).
Eagle-1 quantum mission: The Eagle-1 satellite will be the first European space-based quantum key distribution system developed as a partnership between ESA, the European Commission and space companies in Europe, led by SES Techcom. The Eagle-1 project is paving the way towards an ultra-secure network that uses quantum key distribution (QKD) to keep information safe, significantly boosting European autonomy in cybersecurity and communications. QKD uses the laws of physics to distribute encryption keys in such a way that any attempt to eavesdrop is immediately detected. Discover more
Protecting Europe’s digital infrastructure
The goal of this collaboration is to protect Europe’s digital infrastructure using satellite communication, bringing with it a level of security for essential services on which every citizen depends. The arrival of the optical ground station was celebrated on Tuesday 14 July with the unveiling of the construction sign by Rob Postma of Airbus Netherlands, Alan Kuresevic of SES and Alderman Pim van Strien.
The Alderman Pim van Strien comments: “From this location, highly precise laser beams will connect with a satellite located hundreds of kilometers above the Earth. This is therefore not just any new facility. It is a gateway between the campus and space! And moreover, a very important step in the further development of the NL Space Campus.”
“This ground station will be the vital link connecting space to Earth using ultra-precise laser beams, exchanging quantum keys”
rob postma, airbus netherlands
Landmark facility in Noordwijk
The realisation of this landmark facility in Noordwijk is a massive team effort across the Netherlands and would not be possible without international cooperation.
“With cyber threats evolving rapidly, our defence and government partners demand networks that are physically unhackable. High-performance secure communication using QKD is a strategic necessity, and this ground station will be the vital link connecting space to Earth using ultra-precise laser beams, exchanging quantum keys,” comments Rob Postma, managing director of Airbus Netherlands.
Construction preparations are already underway, with the nearby SBIC Noordwijk building acting as a reference point for measurements on the site layout. The ground station assembly will start in 2027 and the target operation is in early 2028. Rob continues: “I could not be prouder of our team and our incredible partners – including ESA, SES, Netherlands Space Agency, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and NXTGEN Hightech – as we build the foundation for next-generation European cybersecurity. Let’s make Eagle-1 a historic success!”
This is edited from the press release published on the Airbus website
Airbus is a partner of SBIC Noordwijk available to offer technical support to
Airbus is a partner of SBIC and is available to provide technical support to ESA BIC Noordwijk startups
