A researcher at Kookmin University's Department of Information Security, Cryptography and Mathematics demonstrates a secure communications system that integrates low-earth-orbit satellite links with post-quantum cryptography at the university’s campus in Seoul. Courtesy of Kookmin University
A research team at Kookmin University has demonstrated a next-generation secure communications system that integrates low-earth-orbit satellite links with post-quantum cryptography, the university said Tuesday.
The team, led by Professor Yi Ok-yeon of the Department of Information Security, Cryptography and Mathematics, worked with satellite communications provider Arion Communication to implement and validate the hybrid security architecture over a live Iridium Communications-based low-earth-orbit network.
The system combines quantum key distribution, or QKD, for wired segments with post-quantum cryptography — specifically the ML-KEM and ML-DSA algorithms — for wireless links, creating an end-to-end encrypted communications chain designed to withstand emerging threats posed by quantum computing.
Researchers said the architecture is designed in part to counter so-called “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, in which adversaries collect encrypted data today with the aim of decrypting it once sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.
Interoperability was confirmed between the university's validated cryptographic modules and Arion Communication's TYTO series of satellite terminals. Researchers said the demonstration moves beyond proof-of-concept and lays the groundwork for expansion to a pilot-scale deployment.
The team said the platform was built with expansion in mind, with plans to add Testbed-as-a-Service capabilities, digital twin-based prevalidation environments and monitoring integrated with security operations centers.
The researchers said the system could help sustain stable communications when terrestrial networks are unavailable — including during natural disasters or armed conflict — casting it as a potential foundation for sovereign, quantum-secure communications infrastructure.
Kookmin University said it plans to extend the technology to defense communications networks, satellite-based battlefield systems and manned-unmanned teaming, or MUM-T, platforms. The university added that it intends to accelerate development of a “Quantum Campus,” a hub linking research, testing, commercialization and standardization in the quantum security sector.
“The key to quantum security technology lies not only in individual functions or performance, but in securing interoperability and real-world demonstration based on hybrid implementation,” Yi said.
Source: Korea Times News
