SpeQtral announces key partners for quantum key satellite
SpeQtral, a leading quantum communication technology company, is collaborating with Kongsberg NanoAvionics (NanoAvionics) and Mbryonics for the upcoming SpeQtral-1 mission. NanoAvionics has been chosen as the satellite platform provider, while Mbryonics will take on the crucial role of the satellite optical terminal provider.
NanoAvionics, a prominent player in the new-space industry, has been chosen as CubeSat satellite platform provider for the quantum key satellite mission. With their consistent track record of building and successfully launching satellite missions, NanoAvionics brings invaluable expertise and an impressive portfolio of accomplishments.
Mbryonics has been selected to develop the optical terminal that transmits the QKD photons from the SpeQtral quantum hardware to optical ground stations. Mbryonics demonstrates remarkable potential with their ever growing capabilities in space photonics. Their past contract win from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) showcases their abilities and commitment to pushing boundaries.
The SpeQtral-1 mission will be SpeQtral’s second quantum key distribution (QKD) satellite. The mission follows the SpeQtre technology demonstrator mission, itself built on technologies demonstrated on the 2019 SpooQy-1 CubeSat. Leveraging the technical expertise of NanoAvionics and Mbryonics’ state-of-the-art optical terminal hardware, SpeQtral-1 will serve as a pathfinder commercial demonstrator, defining future QKD services. It is also slated to be used alongside SpeQtre as the space segment for the ESA INT-UQKD programme, which will explore international use cases for QKD. This endeavour showcases the ability of industry leaders to join forces across continents, transcending geographical boundaries, and fostering an environment of global cooperation.
Rob Bedington, CTO of SpeQtral, commented: “Making a laser comms mission is no easy feat, and integrating QKD takes the challenge to a whole new level. Our partners’ expertise and capabilities tesselate perfectly with our own and our vision of quantum-safe keys delivered by CubeSats.”
Co-Founder and CEO, Lum Chune Yang, added: “The SpeQtral-1 mission offers promising business prospects, enabling SpeQtral-delivered QKD services and serving as a reference for future QKD satellite products. The Quantum-Optical Terminal, a joint effort of SpeQtral and Mbryonics, presents a compact QKD and laser communications transmitter product ready for integration into satellites of all sizes. This will pave the way for organisations or sovereign nations with quantum security requirements to incorporate this cutting edge product into their bespoke satellite missions.”
The mission has made steady progress with key milestones already achieved. The Optical Terminal and Quantum Payload Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) were completed in 2022. SpeQtral-1’s payload and mission CDR were also completed earlier this year. The team is moving ahead with EM tests and integration to conduct spacecraft level functional tests.
Vytenis J. Buzas, CEO of NanoAvionics commented: “This collaboration signifies a critical step into the quantum era, promising revolutionary enhancements to secure communications. Leveraging our experience in swiftly delivering in-orbit demonstration missions with our modular smallsat platforms, we’re prepared to navigate the future of quantum communications. Our partnership transcends borders, echoing the power of global cooperation in pioneering technological advancements.”
John Mackey, CEO at Mbryonics said: “This project represents a significant step towards building a more secure world. With a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of quantum communication, Mbryonics, NanoAvionics and SpeQtral have embarked on a remarkable journey to revolutionize secure communication channels through quantum key distribution (QKD). SpeQtral’s trust in our expertise and technology is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence that drives both our organizations.”
SpeQtral remains committed to driving advancements in the quantum communication industry through strategic collaborations. By leveraging the expertise and strengths of their partners, SpeQtral continues to pioneer the development of secure and scalable quantum systems that will shape the future of secure communication.
