Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands Quantum Division

Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) is a Spanish astrophysics research center founded in 1982 and headquartered in La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain, with Quantum Division participating in Spain's QKD-GEO quantum key distribution geostationary satellite mission. IAC participates in the large industrial consortium led by Thales Alenia Space developing quantum communications technology for space-based quantum key distribution. The institute brings astrophysics expertise and Canary Islands astronomical facilities to quantum communications research and testing. A field test campaign is planned between Spanish islands of La Palma and Tenerife covering 140-km atmospheric link, validating ground segment and quantum payload functionality under representative conditions before implementing operational mission in orbit. IAC collaborates with Polytechnic University of Madrid, University of Vigo, Thales Alenia Space, and Hispasat advancing quantum communications from space. The institute serves European Space Agency, quantum technology companies, and research institutions requiring space-based quantum communications research, atmospheric quantum transmission testing, and ground station development for satellite QKD systems.