Enhancing the optical communication telescope laboratory to support quantum communications between earth and space

We report on the design and development of a quantum backend for an optical ground station for space-based quantum communication and science experiments. The quantum backend will enable the Optical Communication Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) to establish links with quantum satellites in the future. We aim to test this quantum enabled ground station with upcoming satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) missions. We present measurements of the ground station properties that are relevant for future quantum links. Specifically, we discuss the polarization disturbance imposed by the optical communication telescope and present mitigation strategies in the form of polarization control systems. In addition to the optical design, we also present an end-to-end QKD model that is used to guide the development.