The European Space Agency (ESA) has taken an important step in advance of Quantum Communications, signing a 50 million euro deal with Aerospace giant Thales Alenia Space.
The deal will begin the preliminary design phase for the Security and Cryptography (SAGA) mission, an ambitious satellite project that leverages quantum technology to ensure Europe’s most sensitive communication.
The agreement was signed by Antonio Sturiale, Director of Domain Telecommunication Italy at Thales Alenia Space, and Laurent Jaffart, Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA.
The agreement was sealed at the Quantum Europe Forum in Brussels on October 1st, marking a pivotal moment for the continent’s digital security ambitions.
ESA and its partners aim to complete the SAGA preliminary design review within two years, paving the way for manufacturing and final deployment.
Jaffart said: “Together with Saga, our goal is to ambitiously advance satellite communications and promote European digital sovereignty, cybersecurity and industrial competitiveness in the quantum era.
“We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Thales Alenia Space, which places Member States at the forefront of the race for truly secure connectivity.”
How Saga strengthens European digital defense
At its heart, SAGA demonstrates quantum key distribution (QKD) via satellites. This is a groundbreaking technology that generates encryption keys based on the principles of quantum mechanics.
Unlike traditional encryption, QKD ensures that attempts to intercept or tamper with a key will quickly destroy it, ensuring an unprecedented level of security.
This innovation complements the quantum encryption network already developed across the European Union, allowing for secure long-distance transmission of encryption keys.
In doing so, SAGA protects classified government communications, institutional data, and critical infrastructure against emerging cyber threats.
Part of the Pan-European Quantum Network
SAGA is the foundation of the broader European Quantum Communications Infrastructure (EuroQCI), a joint initiative led by the ESA and the European Commission.
EuroQCI aims to create a continent-wide network that connects terrestrial and space-based quantum communications.
This infrastructure serves as the backbone of cybersecurity across key sectors such as healthcare, energy, defense, and emergency response.
Authorities describe Euroki as one of the key pillars of Europe’s future cybersecurity strategy, ensuring resilience in an age of digital dependence growth.
Previous ESA-led projects such as EAGLE-1 and QKDSAT focus on commercial applications of quantum communications, while SAGA is designed to protect classified critical data. It positions the mission as an important tool for protecting the safety of European nations and public.
Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, added:
“By leveraging years of expertise in secure space communications and cutting-edge quantum technology, Thales Alenia Space is proud to work with the ESA and multiple European space agencies to bring governments and citizens alike to benefit and pave the future of commercial optical communications both in Europe and the world.”
Ensuring the Quantum Future of Europe
As the world faces an escalation of cyber challenges, European investment in quantum communications demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring a digital future.
With SAGA moving into the design phase, this mission represents a strong statement of not only technological innovation, but also of Europe’s commitment to digital sovereignty.
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