SYSGO's PikeOS: Secure QKD Mission With EAGLE-1

SYSGO, a European pioneer in secure real-time software solutions, has been chosen to supply cutting-edge software technology for the EAGLE-1 project.

This innovative mission, led by SES, a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, in collaboration with 20 European partners and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC), will enable long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

The mission's goal is to design, launch, and operate EAGLE-1, establishing the first sovereign European space-based QKD system.

Defending data integrity

SYSGO’s PikeOS stands out as a hypervisor and real-time operating system that addresses the needs of applications

As quantum computing advances, the urgency to protect data against potential quantum decryption threats becomes increasingly critical. In response, global efforts to develop quantum-secure communication infrastructures are rapidly progressing.

EAGLE-1, a pioneering European satellite mission, marks a significant step in this initiative, aimed at ensuring data security in the face of unprecedented computational power.

SYSGO’s PikeOS stands out as a hypervisor and real-time operating system that addresses the complex needs of safety-critical, mixed-criticality applications. PikeOS ensures that each application runs securely and independently through robust multi-partitioning, which is fundamental for missions like EAGLE-1.

Radiation-hardened computing

This sophisticated partitioning technology provides strict data integrity and reliable separation, even in environments where diverse software packages operate simultaneously.

By leveraging PikeOS, the satellite’s payload and ground station software achieve the high determinism required for seamless quantum key distribution. Moreover, PikeOS supports real-time execution down to the microsecond level, making it perfectly suited for space operations.

Another key advantage of PikeOS is its ability to run efficiently on space-hardened hardware, such as the Teledyne e2v QLS1046-Space microprocessor, a robust platform built to withstand radiation while delivering powerful computation at 30K DMIPS.

Effiecient data management

This setup also offers high-speed data management, incorporating advanced features like 10 Gb Ethernet and PCIe Gen3. In tandem, SYSGO’s ELinOS embedded Linux system complements PikeOS, managing non-real-time components effectively. The integration of these two technologies ensures a balanced and high-performing environment for the entire QKD infrastructure.

Quantum security leap

Together with ELinOS, an embedded Linux distribution also from SYSGO, the EAGLE-1 system benefits from a seamless integration of secure, real-time and non-real-time software components, enhancing reliability and performance in space and on the ground. Once operational, the EAGLE-1 satellite will serve as a critical infrastructure for testing and validating quantum-safe communications across Europe.

It will provide early access to QKD technology, setting the stage for robust cybersecurity measures as quantum advancements evolve. Eagle-1 emphasizes Europe’s pioneer in space-based quantum communication and data protection, and taking a crucial step towards ensuring resilient communication infrastructures within Europe and beyond.