A research team led by Professor Yi Okyeon of the Department of Information Security and Cryptography at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul), in collaboration with Arion Communications Co., Ltd., has successfully implemented and demonstrated a next-generation secure communication technology that combines low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications with post-quantum cryptography (PQC, ML-KEM, ML-DSA).

△ Yoon Hye-jin, a researcher at Kookmin University, is demonstrating quantum-secure satellite communications.

This technology features a hybrid architecture that integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) for wired segments with quantum-resistant cryptography for wireless segments. It is designed to overcome the limitations of existing cryptographic systems and address security threats in the era of quantum computing, and is regarded as a core technology for countering “collect-and-decrypt (HNDL)” threats.

Technically, the system implements an end-to-end encryption structure—including satellite links—based on certified quantum cryptography modules and quantum-resistant cryptography, and verified actual communication in an Iridium-based LEO environment. Furthermore, interoperability between the cryptographic modules and satellite equipment was secured, and successful integration was achieved between Arion Communications’ “TYTO” series and Kookmin University’s cryptographic modules. This achievement can be viewed as laying the groundwork for expanding beyond proof-of-concept (PoC) to the pilot phase.

This demonstration goes beyond simple technical validation and is linked to a strategy for building a platform-based security infrastructure that can be expanded to include Testbed-as-a-Service (TaaS), digital twin-based pre-validation, and SOC-based integrated control. Furthermore, it is highly significant in that it demonstrates the potential for establishing a sovereign quantum-secure communication infrastructure capable of maintaining stable communications even in situations where ground network operations are difficult, such as during disasters or wartime. The research team plans to expand the scope of application to include defense communication networks, satellite-based battlefield networks, and unmanned systems (MUM-T).

Based on this demonstration, Kookmin University plans to accelerate the establishment of an integrated quantum security collaboration hub that connects research and development, testing and verification, commercialization, standards, and the industrial ecosystem. The university intends to provide an environment where companies can proceed with actual certification and commercialization, and to strengthen the linkage system that leads from the demonstration of quantum security technologies to verification and commercialization.

Professor Yi Okyeon stated, “The key to quantum security technology lies not only in individual functions or performance but also in securing proof-of-concept and interoperability based on hybrid implementation technologies,” adding, “Kookmin University’s Quantum Campus will play a central role as an integrated quantum security collaboration hub connecting research and development, testing and verification, commercialization, standards, and the industrial ecosystem.” She continued, “We will accelerate the establishment of a quantum campus that spans water, land, air, and space by integrating quantum security technologies such as PQC, QKD, and QRNG with satellite communications.”