SEALSQ Corp. and WISeKey International Holding Ltd. Announce Launch of WISeSat 2.1 Embedding WISeKey Quantum RootKey

Published: 2025-05-09 09:20:00 ET LAES

Published on 05/09/2025 at 09:20, updated on 05/09/2025 at 10:20

SEALSQ Corp. together with WISeKey International Holding Ltd. and WISeSat. Space AG announced that on June 2025 will launch the WISeSat 2.1, the first satellite embedding SEALSQ's WISeKey Quantum RootKey as part of a space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Proof-of-Concept.

This launch marks a breakthrough in protecting satellite communications from quantum-enabled cyberattacks and confirms SEALSQ's leadership in securing critical space and terrestrial infrastructure using post-quantum technologies. The WISeKey Quantum Root Key is a hardware-based root-of-trust technology, designed to resist quantum decryption attacks by securing key generation, storage, and management directly on the satellite. This ensures that sensitive cryptographic operations remain isolated, tamper-resistant, and protected against both classical and quantum threats.

Leveraging NIST-recommended post-quantum algorithms such as CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium, the RootKey enables end-to-end secure authentication, encryption, and data integrity, even under the computational power of future quantum computers. The deployment of this technology in WISeSat 2. 1 enables several critical applications: Allows secure command authentication to prevent spoofing or unauthorized control of satellites. Protects sensitive data such as Earth observation imagery, defense communications, and scientific measurements during transmission to ground stations.

Supports the secure distribution of cryptographic keys to protect critical infrastructure, including energy, transportation, and smart city systems. These advancements could significantly enhance resilience against navigation signal spoofing or jamming attacks. Additionally, these innovations open the door for future resource exploration and mining in extraterrestrial environments, providing secure communication and navigation systems essential for operating in deep space. Microgravity conditions also enable the manufacturing of advanced materials and the testing of quantum applications that require isolated environments free from terrestrial interference.

This could accelerate the development of un-hackable communication networks and help build the technological foundations for a resilient and secure space economy. The WISeSat 2.2 mission positions Europe and its allies to strengthen their sovereignty in space-based communications at a time of growing geopolitical and cybersecurity tensions. By delivering a fully sovereign, quantum-resistant satellite security infrastructure, SEALSQ demonstrates its capability to secure the most critical layers of global digital trust.