I will present the development of our Canadian QEYSSat space mission, which can operate primarily a quantum receiver, as well as a weak coherent pulse quantum key distribution source. The receiver function is scientifically very interesting as it allows ground to space links using several different quantum light emitters and maybe even memories on the ground. I will introduce the QEYSSat mission architecture and discuss some of the development achievements leading up to its design including performing steps free-space quantum communications to a quantum receiver on a pickup truck and an airplane, as well as the expected radiation impact experienced by the system in space. Looking beyond QEYSSat, I will give an overview of our studies on novel directions and architectures for a quantum links involving satellites including time-bin, frequency bin and interfaces to quantum processors. Finally I will discuss a future mission, QEYSSat 2.0, which aims to demonstrate quantum teleportation across Canada.