ARQUIMEA selected by Thales Alenia Space to provide the structure and thermal system of the quantum key distribution from geostationary orbit QKD-GEO payload

• ARQUIMEA brings its expertise and capabilities in the manufacturing of the complete structural model and the thermal system of the quantum communications instrument in GEO orbit.
• The company has 20 years of experience in the space sector and has participated in more than 180 missions.
• QKD-GEO will be the first Spanish quantum key distribution system from a geostationary satellite.

 

Madrid, October 6 2025. ARQUIMEA, a technology company specialized in the space sector with more than 20 years of experience, is participating in the QKD-GEO program, which is the first Spanish geostationary quantum key distribution system via satellite lead by industrial prime contractor Thales Alenia Space. The company is contributing to this mission through the design and manufacturing, for Thales Alenia Space, of the complete structural model and the thermal system of the quantum communications payload that will operate in GEO orbit.

The thermal structure includes the main panel, the radiator panel, heat pipes, and thermal hardware such as thermal blankets. All of these are key components to ensure the proper functioning of the satellite under the extreme conditions of space. ARQUIMEA’s contribution includes the design, manufacturing, integration, and verification of the main thermal elements.

The QKD-GEO project involves both the development of a quantum payload intended to be integrated into a geostationary satellite and the design of the ground segment, which includes ground terminals and will enable its operation from Earth.

Ángel Álvaro, Project Design Authority of QKD-GEO program at Thales Alenia Space, states: “We are committed to promoting a technology that is emerging as key to ensuring the security of future communications, and for this we rely on Spanish companies with extensive experience in the space sector, such as Arquimea.”

Ferrán Tejada, Head of the Space Division at Arquimea, says: “We are proud and grateful to join the QKD-GEO program and to contribute our experience and technical expertise in thermal systems for satellites in GEO orbit. This participation strengthens our commitment to technological innovation and positions Spain at the forefront of secure communication solutions from space.”

This system represents a paradigm shift in communication security thanks to its ability to detect possible interceptions using technology based on the quantum properties of photons. Its space-based architecture, from GEO orbit, will allow the transmission of quantum keys over long distances without significant signal loss, something unthinkable with current terrestrial networks.

With two decades of experience in the space sector and having participated in more than 180 missions, ARQUIMEA has established itself as a benchmark in the development of thermal systems for the space sector, particularly for complex missions in GEO orbit. The company has advanced technical capabilities, specialized

knowledge, and unique infrastructures at a global level for the design and manufacture of thermo-structures that are unique worldwide.

This project is an initiative of the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, financed with European funds from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, and falls under Action 8 of the PERTE Aeroespacial, whose contracting is managed by the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI). The delivery of the system is planned for mid-2026.

With this program, Spain takes a decisive step towards technological sovereignty in secure communications. This is a pioneering project at the global level, led by Thales Alenia Space and Hispasat. ARQUIMEA also participates in major international missions, including Artemis, SpainSat, Copernicus, and Galileo.

 

About ARQUIMEA:

ARQUIMEA is a Spanish technology company that operates globally in highly demanding sectors such as aerospace, defense, scientific industry, and fintech.

With 20 years of experience, it collaborates in the space sector with leading space agencies such as NASA, JAXA, and ESA, major companies in both traditional and New Space, international consortia, universities, and research centers.

Today, ARQUIMEA has become a comprehensive provider with the capability to develop and manufacture complete satellites, thermal systems, structures, deployable systems, avionics, microelectronics, and optical systems.