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Redwire to build quantum-secure QKDSat spacecraft for ESA

Redwire has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency to develop a quantum-secure spacecraft for the QKDSat program. The company will design and build a satellite to demonstrate space-based quantum key distribution as part of ESA’s effort to validate quantum-secure links from space.

Discovered 2026-04-02T10:41:41.285828-07:00 | 2026-04-02T10:41:41.285828-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Advances ESA's QKDSat program to demonstrate space-based quantum key distribution for encrypted satellite links, a foundational capability for resilient secure communications.
Gives Redwire scale in government-facing programs as it pivots toward defense; the company reported 10.3% revenue growth in 2025 and was named to the Pentagon's "Golden Dome" supplier list.
Leverages Redwire's recent flight-hardware wins and supplier relationships—including solar-array contracts and new lightweight array products—that support its ability to deliver a QKDSat-class spacecraft (see related supplier and product clusters) (source:9abd96d1-063e-469d-8f04-16c4eee011d9).

Reported By

exterrajsc.com satnews.com Via Satellite Business Wire