SpeQtral, a pioneer in satellite-based quantum communication technologies, and Thales Alenia Space, the joint company between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), today announced the signing of a new collaboration agreement, extending their strategic partnership for the development and demonstration of quantum communications between space and Earth.
Quantum information networks represent a major breakthrough in information technology. They will enable quantum computers and quantum sensors to be interconnected to improve performance and resilience. This will pave the way for a new form of internet between quantum devices. These networks will also enable end-to-end secure communications that are resistant to attacks from quantum computers. Satellites will play a key role in these networks, extending connections over long distances and laying the foundations for a future quantum internet.
This new agreement aims to organize joint experiments involving SpeQtral’s quantum satellites, currently in development, and the first quantum ground station designed by Thales Alenia Space. The station will include environmental sensors to assess the impact of local conditions on the quality of quantum signals.
SpeQtral’s quantum satellites are amongst the first demonstrator satellites dedicated to enabling commercial quantum communications, and will be used to test the transmission of entangled photons between space and Earth, paving the way for the future interconnection of terrestrial quantum networks across continents.
SpeQtral will operate the satellites and provide the data needed to coordinate with the ground station, including pointing parameters and time-stamped onboard measurements. Thales Alenia Space will operate the ground station and collect synchronized local measurements to enable cross-analysis of quantum link performance. The shared objective is to experimentally validate the technical foundations of future interoperable quantum networks, as well as explore ways to enhance their performance.
At a later stage, the roles may be reversed, with Thales Alenia Space planning to launch the QINSAT satellite by the end of the decade to distribute entangled photon pairs to ground stations, including those operated by SpeQtral.
Since 2018, Thales Alenia Space has been pursuing an ambitious roadmap, establishing itself a key player in the field of quantum communications. The company is leveraging its expertise in satellite telecommunication systems, optical terminals and over 25 years of quantum technology experience within the Thales Group to develop a fully integrated approach spanning both the space and ground segments of quantum communications systems.
“We’re pleased to be taking this next step with SpeQtral, which builds on the progress we’ve made together since 2022,” said Christophe Valorge, Chief Technical Officer at Thales Alenia Space. “This collaboration provides a structured framework to experiment, learn and move forward together by combining our complementary technological expertise. It represents a new stage in building a reliable, resilient and interoperable quantum communication infrastructure on a global scale.” “Momentum is building globally to demonstrate that quantum communication systems can work together effectively. This is a key step toward realizing global quantum information networks and reflects one of SpeQtral’s long-term goals. We’ve had many fruitful technical exchanges with Thales Alenia Space since 2022, and we’re excited to take this next step together.” said Dr. Robert Bedington, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer at SpeQtral.
