Arqit Quantum, Es’hailSat and Advanced International Electronic Equipment have demonstrated quantum-safe satellite encryption over a live satellite network in Qatar, showing that operators could upgrade security without replacing infrastructure or interrupting services.
The test integrated Arqit’s encryption technology into Es’hailSat’s operational satellite environment at the 25.5/26 degrees east orbital position, according to an Arqit news release. The companies used the Es’hail-1 satellite and existing equipment at Es’hailSat’s Tier-4-certified teleport facility in Doha.
A teleport is a ground facility that connects terrestrial communications networks with satellites. AIEE, a systems integrator specializing in secure communications infrastructure, managed the integration and tested whether the encryption technology could operate with the existing ground and network systems.
The demonstration found that the added cryptographic protection had no adverse effect on existing systems, services or operational performance, according to the release. The companies said the project could provide a model for upgrading satellite networks used by governments, businesses and the maritime and energy sectors.
Quantum-safe encryption is designed to protect information from attacks involving future quantum computers. Powerful quantum systems could eventually break some of the mathematical protections widely used to secure current communications, although such machines are not yet available.
The risk is particularly relevant for satellites and other infrastructure expected to remain in service for many years. Adversaries could also collect encrypted information now and retain it until they have the technology needed to decipher it, an approach commonly called “harvest now, decrypt later.”
Satellite infrastructure supports some of the world’s most operationally sensitive environments,” Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit, said in the release. “What’s important about this project is that it proves a practical path to strengthening quantum-safe cryptographic resilience without requiring operators to rebuild existing infrastructure. That operational reality matters especially in critical infrastructure environments, where disruption simply isn’t an option.”
Es’hailSat provided the operational environment for the trial, according to the release. The company operates satellite services across the Middle East and North Africa, including connections supporting Qatar’s national infrastructure and economic activity.
Es’hailSat President and Chief Executive Ali Al Kuwari said the collaboration reflected the company’s effort to examine technologies that could improve long-term communications resilience while maintaining continuity for customers operating critical services.
AIEE Chief Technology Officer Adam St Paul said the test indicated organizations could strengthen security without replacing their existing systems.
“This demonstration shows that organisations do not need to replace existing systems to achieve stronger security,” said Adam St Paul, in the release. “By introducing quantum-safe protection into operational environments, satellite operators and critical infrastructure providers can ensure their communications remain resilient against the growing challenges posed by both state and non-state actors, while maintaining the continuity and reliability upon which their operations depend.”
The companies didn’t disclose technical performance measurements, the cryptographic methods used or a timetable for commercial deployment. They said the demonstration would serve as a foundation for potential deployments supporting enterprise connectivity, sovereign communications and critical infrastructure.
