Feasibility of quantum key distribution from high altitude platforms

Abstract This paper presents the feasibility study of deploying quantum key distribution (QKD) from high altitude platforms (HAPs), as a way securing future communications applications and services. The provides thorough review state art HAP technologies summarises benefits that HAPs can bring to QKD A detailed link budget analysis is presented in evaluate delivering stratospheric flying at 20 km altitude. results show generous under most operating conditions which brings possibility using diverged beams, thereby simplifying pointing, acquisition tracking optical system on ground, potentially widening range use cases where could be viable solution.