The University of York has expertise in experimental and theoretical quantum communication and has demonstrated in-lab and in-field quantum communication experiments. It is now expanding its quantum portfolio to space applications. This includes the design, development, verification, testing, and documentation of space-qualified payloads for quantum communications with optical signals. The York team is also developing quantum receivers for optical ground stations. The Institute for Safe Autonomy will be hosting an optical ground station, equipped with a 60cm diameter telescope, which will have the capability to receive not only optical signals from space but also link the communication to a fiber-based metropolitan quantum network. The optical ground station will feature optical tracking facilities, including a sophisticated tracking camera and an uplink laser beacon. Additionally, the optical ground station will have the capability to receive telecom-band laser signals from space. York is also home to the Quantum Communications Hub, which aims to accelerate the translation of quantum technologies into the marketplace.