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  • Open Access

Quantum entanglement distribution via uplink satellite channels

S. Srikara1, Hudson Leone1,2, Alexander S. Solntsev3, and Simon J. Devitt1,4,*

  • 1Center for Quantum Software and Information, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
  • 2Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2033, Australia
  • 3School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
  • 4InstituteQ, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland

  • *Contact author: Simon.Devitt@uts.edu.au
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043041 – Published 14 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/v3p1-kz4h

Abstract

Significant work has been done to develop quantum satellites, which generate entangled pairs in space and distribute them to ground stations separated some distance away. The reverse “uplink” case, where pairs are generated on the ground and swapped on the satellite using an optical Bell measurement, has not been seriously considered due to a prevailing assumption that it is practically infeasible. In this paper, we illustrate the feasibility of performing Discrete Variable photonic Bell measurements in space by conducting a detailed numerical analysis to estimate the channel efficiency and attainable pair fidelity for various satellite-station configurations. Our model accounts for a wide range of physical effects such as atmospheric effects, stray photons, and mode mismatch. Our findings show promise toward the feasibility of photonic Bell measurements in space, which motivates future research toward large-scale satellite-based uplink entanglement distribution.

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Corrections

11 December, 2025

Correction: Author name Alexander S. Solnstev has been changed to Alexander S. Solntsev.

Article Text

Supplemental Material

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043041– Published 14 October, 2025
  • Received 13 October 2024
  • Accepted 3 September 2025
  • Corrected 11 December 2025
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