IRIS2 QKD microsatellite pilot mission

The European Commission DG CNECT invites tenders for the IRIS2 QKD Microsatellite Pilot Mission EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0129 to design, build, launch and operate a sub-120 kg microsatellite demonstrating space-based Quantum Key Distribution. The fixed-price procurement has an estimated maximum value of €25,000,000, milestone-linked interim payments, and requires launch within 30 months and at least six months of in-orbit QKD demonstrations connecting to at least two EU Optical Ground Stations. Sensitive roles and critical QKD components require entities to be established in EU Member States with executive management there and free from third-country control, with eligibility and supporting documentation detailed in Annex 7. Submission is electronic via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal with tender deadline 18 May 2026 16:00 Brussels and award by best price-quality ratio.

What it procures

Scope in one line

Procurement of a microsatellite pilot mission to validate space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and prepare for future quantum networks under the IRIS² Union Secure Connectivity Programme.

Who runs the tender:European Commission, DG CNECT — Communications Networks, Content and Technology.

Estimated total value:€25 000 000 (estimated total value of the procurement). ¹

What the contract must deliver:A microsatellite (≈ <120 kg) with a compact QKD payload (including PAT and compute unit), launch service, in-orbit operations and at least six months of QKD demonstrations with connectivity to at least two Optical Ground Stations.

Who can apply:Open procedure. Eligible applicants are economic operators meeting IRIS² eligibility and participation conditions; for security‑sensitive activities (critical QKD technologies, launch and core mission elements) bidders must be established in an EU Member State, have executive management in the Member State, commit to carry out relevant activities in the EU and not be controlled by a third country/entity (detailed requirements and Annex 7 apply).

1. 1Deadline for receipt of tenders: 18/05/2026 16:00 Europe/Brussels.
2. 2Public opening of tenders: 19/05/2026 10:00 Europe/Brussels.
3. 3Contract maximum duration: 42 months from signature.

All procurement documents, templates (Annexes 1–7), draft contract and Q&A are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and tenders must be submitted electronically via eSubmission. See the tender page for downloads and full technical/tendering rules Tender page. ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Full procurement documents, corrigenda and Q&A are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity page: IRIS2 QKD microsatellite pilot mission.

Procurement reference:EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0129. Contracting authority: European Commission, DG CNECT - Communications Networks, Content and Technology (Unit C.4 Emerging & Disruptive Technologies). Main CPV: 64200000 Telecommunications services. Procedure type: Open procedure. Nature of the contract: Services. Estimated total value: €25,000,000. Maximum contract duration: 42 months. Award criterion: Best price-quality ratio. Submission method: Electronic via eSubmission. Official opportunity page and documents: EU Funding & Tenders Portal opportunity page.

Purpose and Scope

This call for tenders will award a direct service contract to design, develop, launch, operate, and demonstrate a microsatellite pilot mission that validates space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies and prepares for future quantum communication networks as part of IRIS², the Union Secure Connectivity Programme established by Regulation (EU) 2023/588. The mission must demonstrate a fully European QKD experiment using high-performance EU sub-components and show the feasibility of cost-effective quantum-secure communications using a compact microsatellite complemented by EU optical ground segment assets and processes aligned with EuroQCI.

Technical and Programmatic Highlights

• Satellite class and capability: Small factor microsatellite integrating a compact and lightweight QKD optical payload terminal (including Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) and Computing Unit); total satellite mass expected to be below 120 kg.
• Operational timeline: Launch within 30 months from contract signature; space-based QKD demonstration phase of at least 6 months; total contract up to 42 months including close-out.
• Minimum service envelope: Provisioning of the satellite; launch to target orbit; satellite operations; QKD demonstration with at least two Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) in the EU, to a performance level fit for the proposed innovative scope; post-launch checkouts; documentation and final mission analysis.
• QKD technology and components: Use advanced EU27 solutions for critical QKD components to the maximum extent possible (e.g., compact quantum sources, entangled photon-pair emitters, innovative detectors, adaptive optics). Flexibility for non-EU mature, commercially available non-critical elements is allowed.
• Innovation requirement: Implement at least one additional innovation element (illustrative options: entanglement distribution and fiber network interface; high-precision synchronization; advanced multiplexing, signal processing and real-time key distillation; dual wavelength operation such as NIR and C-band; daylight operation-supporting technologies; or other well-justified innovations).
• Key Performance Indicators to be tracked and reported: KPI1 volume of distilled keys and number of distilled AES-256 keys; KPI2a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER), KPI2b link loss, KPI2c end-to-end loss including transmission and detection of photons; KPI3 ratio of successful links to attempted links; KPI4 uptime percentage. Tenderers must also propose additional KPIs aligned with their innovation scope.
• TRL expectation: Minimum TRL 6 at start for the critical innovative aspect(s), with a clear path to higher TRLs; space heritage is encouraged where feasible.

Work Breakdown, Deliverables, Milestones, and Payment Scheme

Mandatory Tasks and Core Deliverables:Task 1 Project Management: Project Management Plan (PMP); quarterly progress reports; final report including lessons learned. Task 2 Mission Development and Assembly: Mission requirements; design, development and validation plan; PDR and CDR acceptance; satellite system design and analyses; integration and test plan; debris mitigation and decommissioning plan; integration and test report; operations plan including provision of ephemeris and planned maneuvers to EU SST services. Task 3 Launch and Early Orbit Operations: Orbit and launcher description; ITU frequency and launch licensing coordination; post-launch report of launch parameters and in-orbit status; anomaly handling and transition to operations; mission termination planning aligned with environmental and space sustainability rules. Task 4 Mission Operations: Execute nominal mission operations per Mission Operations Plan; demonstrate QKD with at least two OGSs (sequentially or concurrently); support end-user demonstration access modalities; provide QKD test results and KPIs. Task 5 Closeout: Mission data management and archiving; post-mission review and analysis; final consolidated lessons learned and recommendations.

Reviews and governance:Major reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR, QR, ORR, FR) are expected to follow ECSS good practices tailored for microsatellites. The Commission may appoint expert panels for deliverable reviews. The contractor must maintain a detailed schedule, risk register, and quality plan, and conduct interim monthly coordination with quarterly progress reviews.

Eligibility, Participation, and Security Conditions

• Sensitive activities subject to strict eligibility (Annex 7 Categories A and B): Major contractors for space and ground segment primes, system level definition and IVV, launcher prime, terrestrial EuroQCI infrastructure prime; core QKD technology providers; core security providers (e.g., TM/TC, Security Monitoring, KMS); mission infrastructure operator; launch services. These entities must: (a) be established in an EU Member State, (b) have executive management structures in that Member State, (c) be free from third-country control. Waivers are not allowed for Category A (including launch).
• Subcontractors under Category B may request waivers from (a) EU establishment and/or (b) carrying out activities in the EU and/or (c) EU control, subject to strict cumulative conditions (e.g., no EU substitute available; no EUCI exchange/generation in third countries; robust integrity, security, and resilience guarantees endorsed by the competent Member State authority) and approval by the contracting authority.
• Non-sensitive activities: open to entities in EU Member States and, for non-sensitive scope, to entities from GPA countries and jurisdictions with EU public procurement agreements, without prejudice to the above sensitive activity rules.
• Launch and eligibility obligations: Space assets of the governmental infrastructure must be launched by EU-established launch service providers with executive management structure in the EU and without third-country control; launches from EU territory (or eligible associated country) are required, with third-country launches allowed only in duly justified exceptional cases subject to prior authorisation.
• Security requirements: Comply with Commission security rules (e.g., Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443), cybersecurity obligations aligned with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841, potential handling of EUCI under Decision 2015/444, incident notification (within 48 hours) and cooperation with EUSPA Security Accreditation where applicable. Personnel accessing Commission premises/IT may require positive security advice; security-cleared personnel may be requested for specific tasks. See Appendix 1 Security requirements.
• Environmental and space sustainability: Comply with Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2023/588; provide a comprehensive space debris mitigation plan (orbital data; end-of-life disposal); implement collision avoidance technologies; contribute to SST with up-to-date ephemerides and maneuver notifications; reduce emissions and radiation pollution; provide sustainability tracking data throughout the mission.
• Industrial participation: Promote Union space ecosystem participation, including new entrants, start-ups, SMEs, and mid-caps across a wide geographic spread. For any awarded downstream contracts above €10 million, ensure at least 30% subcontracting via open competition to entities outside the contractor’s corporate group unless duly justified.

Key Dates and Submission

All tenders must be prepared and submitted electronically in eSubmission. A Participant Identification Code (PIC) is required for each participating organisation. Guidance and system requirements: eSubmission Quick Guide.

Evaluation and Award

• Exclusion and selection: Verified via Declaration on Honour and evidence on request (e.g., legal capacity, economic and financial capacity F1 average yearly turnover > €8,000,000 over last two years; technical capacity T1 two comparable satellite missions ≥ €10,000,000 each in past 5 years; T2 three quantum communication projects ≥ €1,000,000 each in past 5 years; T3 ≥ 5 years’ experience in space system development and operations/service delivery including launch).
• Award criteria: Best price-quality ratio. Price weight 30%. Quality weight 70% across: 1) Excellence of technical proposal (max 40, threshold 30), 2) Innovation (max 30, threshold 15), 3) Quality of implementation (max 30, threshold 15). Minimum overall technical score: 60/100.
• Abnormally low tenders: Subject to verification per Financial Regulation.
• Contract structure: Fixed-price, not subject to price revision; no pre-financing; interim payments against accepted deliverables per the milestone plan; VAT exemptions applicable per EU protocols where relevant; invoices to be submitted electronically as instructed.

Categorisation and Structured Answers

Eligible Applicant Types:Economic operators able to deliver end-to-end microsatellite mission services and space-based QKD demonstrations. This includes but is not limited to: satellite system integrators and primes; space segment and ground segment primes; launcher service providers (EU-established and EU-controlled); core QKD technology providers; core security solution providers (TM/TC, KMS, security monitoring); mission operators. SMEs, start-ups, mid-caps and large enterprises may participate (as main contractor or subcontractors) provided they meet the sensitive activity eligibility conditions. Universities, research institutes and public bodies may participate mainly as subcontractors or consortium members for non-sensitive roles or under waiver conditions for Category B roles; they must comply with the same establishment, activity-location, and control requirements where applicable. Public-private partnerships and joint tenders (groups without legal personality) are allowed. NGOs and nonprofit entities may participate for non-sensitive tasks if they satisfy participation and capacity requirements.

Funding Type:Procurement — direct service contract (EU public tender). Payments are remuneration for contracted services and deliverables, not a grant.

Consortium Requirement:Not required. Single tenderers or joint tenders (groups of economic operators) are both eligible. In joint tenders, all members are jointly and severally liable and must sign an Agreement/Power of Attorney; a group leader acts as the single point of contact.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):For sensitive activities (Annex 7 Categories A and B) the participating legal entities must be established in an EU Member State, have executive management structures in that Member State, and not be controlled by a third country or third-country entity. Limited waivers may be considered for certain Category B subcontractors under strict conditions with Member State-endorsed guarantees. Launch services (and launch primes) must comply fully with EU establishment, activity location in the EU, and EU control; launches should occur from EU territory (or eligible associated country) except under prior-authorised exceptional circumstances. For non-sensitive activities, participation is open to EU entities and, subject to the applicable procurement agreements, to entities from GPA countries.

Target Sector:Space; security and cybersecurity; quantum communication; telecommunications; photonics/optics; ICT; advanced systems integration and validation (IVV).

Mentioned Countries:European Union (EU Member States). No specific countries are named; all requirements reference EU establishment, activities within the EU, and EU control, and launches from EU territory (or eligible associated country) unless exceptionally authorised.

Project Stage:Development, integration, validation, launch, and in-orbit demonstration. Minimum TRL 6 at start for innovative critical elements; progression to higher TRLs through Integration, Verification, Qualification, Launch and Early Operations, and a minimum 6-month operational QKD demonstration.

Funding Amount:Estimated total contract value is €25,000,000. Fixed-price, inclusive of all expenses. Interim payments: 30% at PDR acceptance; 20% at integration and test report; 10% post-launch report; 30% at QKD demonstration report; 10% at final review.

Application Type:Open call for tenders; single-stage submission via eSubmission on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal before the deadline. Public opening follows the deadline. Evaluation covers exclusion, selection, and award criteria.

Nature of Support:Money — payment for contracted services and deliverables under the service contract. No pre-financing. Payments within 60 days upon approval of deliverables and valid invoice.

Application Stages:1 stage (single submission). After submission, the contracting authority may request clarifications. Post-award, the contract proceeds through agreed technical milestones and reviews.

Success Rates:No success rate information is provided. This is a competitive open procedure awarded on best price-quality ratio.

Co-funding Requirement:No co-funding is required. The contractor proposes a fixed total price covering all tasks, activities, and costs. The financial form must reflect a comprehensive, all-inclusive price.

Templates and How to Apply

Applicants must prepare their tenders according to the Tender Specifications and submit all required forms through the eSubmission interface. Core templates and annexes include the following, all available on the opportunity page.

• Annex 2 Declaration on Honour on exclusion and selection criteria: To be completed and signed by the sole tenderer, or by each group member in case of joint tender, and by other involved entities as specified.
• Annex 3 Agreement/Power of Attorney: Required for joint tenders. All group members authorise the group leader to act and sign on their behalf; joint and several liability applies.
• Annex 4 List of identified subcontractors and proportion of subcontracting: Identify subcontractors whose share exceeds 10% or whose capacities are relied upon; describe their roles/tasks and provide commitment letters.
• Annex 5.1 Commitment letter by an identified subcontractor: Confirms participation, resources, absence of conflicts, and acceptance of audit/control provisions.
• Annex 5.2 Commitment letter by an entity on whose capacities is being relied: Confirms access to the entity’s financial/technical capacities and acceptance of audit/control provisions.
• Annex 6 Financial form: Provide the fixed total price inclusive of all costs; detail staff categories, day rates, person-days per task/work package, travel/subsistence, and other costs; align pricing to the methodology and schedule proposed.
• Annex 7 Eligibility and Participation Conditions + Appendix: Each applicant, consortium member, and subcontractor must complete the relevant sections. Entities in sensitive activities (Categories A and B) must evidence EU establishment, EU executive management structure, commitment to carry out all relevant activities in the EU, and absence of third-country control; where applicable, provide waiver requests with Member State-endorsed guarantees.

Technical Offer Structure (recommended outline based on the Specifications):1 Executive Summary. 2 Understanding of Requirements and Constraints. 3 Mission Concept and System Architecture (including satellite platform, QKD payload, PAT, ground segment, OGS characteristics and locations). 4 Simulation-Based Analysis (quantum state generation/detection models, pointing error budgets, atmospheric models, finite-size effects, spectral filtering, coupling efficiency). 5 Innovation Elements and TRL Justification (baseline and target TRLs, space heritage). 6 Design, Development and Validation Plan (ECSS-tailored reviews, verification, qualification). 7 Risk Register and Mitigation Measures (technical, schedule, cost). 8 Project Management Plan (governance, QA, IVV, subcontractor management, interfaces, reporting). 9 Industrial Participation and SME/Start-up Inclusion Plan. 10 Launch Services Strategy and Risk Assessment (EU eligibility compliance). 11 Environmental and Space Sustainability (debris mitigation and decommissioning plan). 12 Security and Accreditation Approach (compliance with EU security and cybersecurity rules). 13 Work Breakdown Structure, Work Packages and Gantt Schedule (critical path and margins). 14 KPI Plan and Demonstration Methodology. 15 Data Management, Archiving, and Closeout. 16 Pricing File and Cost Narrative (mapped to Annex 6 Financial form).

Submission Checklist (administrative):- Register or confirm PIC for all involved entities. - Complete eSubmission forms and upload administrative evidence as specified. - Signed Declaration(s) on Honour (Annex 2). - For joint tenders: signed Agreement/Power of Attorney (Annex 3). - Identified subcontractors list (Annex 4) and commitment letters (Annex 5.1). - Entities on whose capacities are relied: commitment letters (Annex 5.2). - Annex 7 Eligibility and Participation Conditions + Appendix and supporting documents (ownership/control, corporate governance, shareholders ≥5%, facilities location in EU, activity-in-EU commitments). - Technical offer (aligned with the scope and award criteria). - Financial form (Annex 6) with fixed total price. - Any waiver requests for Category B subcontractors with Member State-endorsed guarantees. - Confirmation of compliance with launch and security requirements.

Compliance, Security, Legal, and Contractual Notes

• IPR: The Union acquires ownership of the results and related IPR in newly created materials; pre-existing rights are licensed royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable to the Union for the modes of exploitation set out in the contract (tenderers must provide a list of pre-existing rights upon invoicing per Article II.13).
• Confidentiality and data protection: Binding confidentiality obligations; personal data processed under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725; potential EDES registration if in exclusion situations.
• No pre-financing: Interim payments against deliverable acceptance; payments within 60 days; liquidated damages and price reduction may apply for delays or quality non-compliance; fixed price not subject to revision.
• Industrial policy: Promote open standards, interoperability, and avoidance of vendor lock-in; ensure fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory practices where applicable.
• Service continuity and priority for governmental services: If the contractor also provides commercial satcom services, ensure priority and insulation for the Union’s services under the contract to prevent conflicts and ensure continuity.

Where to Find the Official Documents

• Invitation to tender EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0129 (V2).
• Tender Specifications EC-CNECT/2025/OP/0129.
• Draft service contract and special conditions (including payment plan, IPR, security, environmental, industrial participation, and operational continuity clauses).
• Appendix 1 Security requirements.
• Annex 6 Financial form (xlsx).
• Annex 7 Eligibility and Participation Conditions and its Appendix.
• Annex 2 Declaration on Honour.
• Annexes 3–5 templates (Agreement/Power of Attorney; commitment letters). All available via the Funding & Tenders portal link above.

Summary: What This Opportunity Is and How to Explain It

The European Commission seeks a contractor to deliver an end-to-end microsatellite pilot mission that proves quantum-secure communications from space using state-of-the-art European QKD technologies. The winner will design, build, test, and launch a sub-120 kg satellite, conduct early orbit activities, and then run at least six months of in-orbit QKD demonstrations connecting with at least two EU optical ground stations. The mission’s aim is to validate innovative QKD payloads and subsystems, raise TRL, and help chart the path to future EuroQCI and IRIS² quantum-secure connectivity services.

This is a fixed-price service contract of about €25 million, awarded through an open EU procurement on best price-quality ratio. It carries stringent eligibility and security rules for sensitive roles: key primes, launch, QKD core technologies, and mission operations must be EU-established with EU executive management and free from third-country control. Launch services must be sourced from compliant EU launch providers and executed from EU territory (or eligible associated country) save exceptional, pre-authorised cases. Subcontractors for certain roles may, in limited cases, request Member State-endorsed waivers. The contract embeds cybersecurity-by-design, EUCI handling rules where relevant, environmental and debris mitigation requirements, and industrial participation obligations encouraging SME and start-up involvement across the Union.

Applicants should demonstrate strong mission heritage in satellite development, integration, qualification, launch interfaces, and operations, plus deep capabilities in quantum communications. Proposals must include rigorous simulations, a tailored ECSS-style development plan, a robust risk and quality framework, and a clear innovation case with measurable KPIs (e.g., distilled key volumes, QBER, link and end-to-end losses, link success ratio, uptime). The payment schedule is tied to objective milestones (PDR, I&T, launch, demonstration, and closeout). Tenders must be submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by the stated deadline, using the provided administrative, eligibility, and financial templates.

This open tender seeks contractors for the procurement of a microsatellite pilot mission to validate Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology in space. The mission is part of the IRIS2 Union Secure Connectivity Programme under Regulation (EU) 2023/588, aiming to demonstrate innovative space-based QKD capabilities and prepare for future quantum networks.

Key Objectives and Scope

The mission involves designing, developing, launching, and operating a compact microsatellite (under 120 kg) with QKD payload to exchange keys with at least two Optical Ground Stations (OGSs). It must include at least one innovative element beyond standard attenuated laser QKD, such as entanglement distribution, advanced multiplexing, dual wavelength operation, or daylight-compatible technologies. EU27 solutions are required for critical QKD components.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):KPI1: Volume of distilled keys and AES-256 keys; KPI2: QBER, link loss, end-to-end loss; KPI3: Successful links vs attempts; KPI4: Uptime percentage. Tenderers must propose additional KPIs relevant to their mission design.

Eligibility and Participation Conditions

Participation is restricted for sensitive activities (Categories A and B in Annex 7). Entities must be established in an EU Member State with executive management there, commit to performing activities in Member States, and not be controlled by third countries/entities. No waivers for main contractors or Category A activities (e.g., space/ground segment primes, critical QKD technologies, launch services). Waivers possible for Category B subcontractors under strict conditions, requiring Member State guarantees.

Required Documentation

• Annex 7: Eligibility and Participation Conditions (Sections 1, 2.1 minimum; full for sensitive activities)
• Annex 7 Appendix: Instructions and ownership/control assessment
• Supporting evidence: Registry extracts, ownership structures, corporate governance details

All involved entities must complete forms; changes in control must be notified immediately. Launch services must use EU-based providers from EU territory.

Who Can Apply

Legal entities established in EU Member States meeting eligibility conditions. Joint tenders allowed with joint/several liability. Subcontracting permitted but critical tasks may be reserved. Non-sensitive activities open to GPA signatories.

Funding Details

Estimated Value:€25,000,000 (maximum total value).

Payment Structure:Fixed price, not subject to revision. Interim payments: 30% (Mil2 PDR), 20% (Mil5 Ops Readiness), 10% (Mil6 Launch), 30% (Mil7 Primary Mission), 10% (Mil8 Final Review). Payments upon deliverable acceptance within 60 days.

Key Dates and Duration

Launch within 30 months of contract signature; minimum 6 months operations post-launch.

Selection Criteria

• F1: Average turnover last 2 years > €8M (consolidated)
• T1: 2 similar satellite projects (>€10M each, last 5 years)
• T2: 3 quantum communication projects (>€1M each, last 5 years)
• T3: 5+ years space system development/operations experience

Award Criteria (Best Price-Quality Ratio)

Tasks and Milestones

1. 1Task 1: Project Management (PMP, Quarterly Reports)
2. 2Task 2: Mission Development/Assembly (Design, PDR/CDR, Integration/Test)
3. 3Task 3: Launch/Early Operations (Orbit/Launcher Description, Post-Launch Report)
4. 4Task 4: Operations (QKD Tests Report)
5. 5Task 5: Closeout (Mission Review Report)

Milestones include KOM (M1), PDR (M2, 30% payment), CDR (M3), QR (M4), Ops Readiness (M5, 20%), Launch (M6, 10%), Primary Mission (M7, 30%), Final Review (M8, 10%). Follow ECSS standards where possible.

Special Requirements

• Security: EU classified info handling, cybersecurity (security-by-design), no third-country control
• Sustainability: Space debris mitigation plan, SST data provision, GHG minimization
• Subcontracting: 30% open competition outside group for >€10M contracts; SME/new entrant involvement
• IP: Union owns results; pre-existing rights licensed royalty-free

Submission and Documents

Electronic submission via EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Required:Technical/Financial tenders, Declarations on Honour, Annexes 2-7. All docs in English; QES preferred.

Primary source:EU Funding Portal. TED Notices: TED 33/2026, Change 43/2026. Documents include Tender Specs, Draft Contract, Annexes.

Footnotes

1. 1Data extracted from official EU portal scraping (Feb-Mar 2026); verify latest on portal as corrigenda possible.