Pramatra Space is building chip-based quantum security for space and ground networks

Quantum key distribution, or QKD, uses quantum physics to distribute encryption keys between communicating parties. Those keys help protect data from interception. Pramatra Space is adapting this approach for space payloads and ground communications, where compact hardware matters.

A chip can place much of the QKD technology into a smaller package. Pramatra is developing chip-based QKD for satellite systems and terrestrial free-space links. The company is exploring secure communication between telecom towers, drones and ground stations. It is also working with Infostellar to examine optical ground stations and last-mile security.

Pramatra has completed its third QKD-chip tape-out, and its latest chips are being tested. It plans an in-space demonstration in 2027, followed by its first mission with the product in 2028. The company is also combining QKD with post-quantum cryptography for broader protection.

Pramatra Space has moved its quantum-security programme forward in several ways. Its QKD chip has reached a third tape-out, meaning a new chip version has been produced for testing. The latest chips were being tested, with results expected within 15–20 days of the update. The company has also completed and filed its final patent specification.

Its technology combines QKD and post-quantum cryptography. Pramatra is developing a software layer to coordinate the security hardware it deploys. It is working with about three satellite companies and has also begun exploring terrestrial uses, including telecom links, drones and ground stations.

The company plans its first in-space demonstration for 2027. It is targeting its first mission with the product in 2028. IISc has validated its results and hypothesis around chip-based space QKD, while Pramatra continues developing its broader space-to-ground security stack.

Pramatra’s potential reach includes both space and a wide range of terrestrial networks. The company is exploring secure links between telecom towers, drones and ground stations. Its data-centre product remains in development, showing that the intended market extends beyond satellite communications.

The key opportunity is chip-based security that can fit into different communication systems. Pramatra is also developing software to orchestrate the security hardware it deploys. With Japanese ground-station company Infostellar, it is exploring additional optical ground stations and defining requirements for last-mile security.

The article does not provide a market-size estimate or deployment total. It does show growing interest in terrestrial free-space applications and ongoing pilot discussions. If testing succeeds, the same broader QKD-and-PQC approach could support security across satellite links, tower networks, drones, data centres and ground infrastructure.

If Pramatra’s system works across satellite and terrestrial networks, secure communications would not be limited to a single type of infrastructure. Space payloads could connect with protected ground systems, while terrestrial links could serve telecom towers, drones, data centres and ground stations. That could make the security architecture more flexible.

The mechanism is a combined hardware and software stack. QKD would distribute encryption keys, while post-quantum cryptography would add protection for authentication. Pramatra is also developing software to orchestrate the different security hardware it deploys. Its compact chip-based design supports discussions about terrestrial free-space links.

This outcome is not yet proven. The latest chips are still being tested, and the data-centre product remains in development. Pramatra plans an in-space demonstration in 2027 and a first mission in 2028, while continuing pilot discussions and work with Infostellar on ground stations.

QKD and PQC address different parts of quantum-era security. QKD uses quantum physics to distribute encryption keys. PQC uses mathematical algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers. Pramatra says this combination provides more holistic protection than QKD alone.

The practical example comes from defence-sector feedback. Pramatra says QKD can be used for encryption, but authentication needs an additional PQC layer. Authentication helps systems verify who or what is communicating. The company is integrating PQC into its broader quantum-security offering and developing a hybrid agile methodology.

This hybrid approach is central to Pramatra’s roadmap. The startup is building both chip-based security hardware and software to orchestrate its deployments. Its QKD chips have reached a third tape-out, while its first space demonstration is planned for 2027. Terrestrial pilots are also being explored, including telecom, drone and ground-station links.

Satellite-based QKD is only one possible route to protected communications. For terrestrial networks, Pramatra is exploring free-space optical links between telecom towers, drones and ground stations. Its chip-based technology is intended to make such security hardware compact enough for these applications.

Another option is a hybrid system. QKD could distribute encryption keys, while PQC could provide authentication and additional protection. Pramatra is also developing software that orchestrates different security hardware. With Infostellar, it is exploring optical ground stations and requirements for last-mile security.

These approaches are still under development rather than established deployments. Pramatra’s data-centre product remains in development, and pilot discussions are under way for terrestrial operations. The company is testing its third-generation QKD chips and plans an in-space demonstration in 2027, but the article does not report completed terrestrial deployments.

Quantum computers are a concern because sufficiently capable machines could solve some mathematical problems underlying widely used encryption more efficiently than conventional computers. That could expose protected communications. The article identifies this broader threat through its focus on quantum security and algorithms designed to withstand quantum-computer attacks.

QKD responds through quantum physics rather than relying only on mathematical difficulty. It is used to distribute encryption keys. PQC takes a different route: it uses mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from quantum computers. Pramatra combines both methods because defence feedback identified authentication as a need beyond QKD’s encryption role.

The company is still developing and testing its system. Its latest QKD chips follow a third tape-out, and its software layer will coordinate security hardware. Pramatra plans an in-space demonstration in 2027 and is exploring terrestrial applications, but the article does not describe specific PQC algorithms.