Crypta Labs, a startup specialist in Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) technology, has signed up to the national SPRINT (SPace Research and Innovation Network for Technology) business support programme to develop its QRNGs for space applications.
Crypta Labs will collaborate with SPRINT partner, the University of Southampton, which will conduct environmental and performance testing of the company’s QRNGs to CubeSat level specifications. This will provide high quality random numbers for use in cryptographic tasks, such as encryption of the data that is being sent between satellites and Earth or for securing communication within a CubeSat constellation.
Crypta Labs has developed a compact QRNG prototype, which uses the quantum property of light to generate high-quality randomness. The project will redesign the Crypta Labs’ QRNG using space-qualified materials and components, and test the prototype to standards that match those used by CubeSat primes.
The successful development tests will allow Crypta Labs to work with CubeSat manufacturers and operators, and provide quantum random numbers to seed cryptographic tasks in space.
The project will be funded by a grant from the £4.8 million SPRINT programme. (eeNews)
