SpeQtral, a company developing satellite-based quantum communication technologies, and Thales Alenia Space (a joint company between Thales and Leonardo) have signed a new collaboration agreement. This agreement extends their strategic partnership to further the development and demonstration of quantum communications between space and Earth. The new collaboration specifically aims to organize joint experiments involving SpeQtral’s quantum satellites, which are currently in development, and the first quantum ground station designed by Thales Alenia Space.
SpeQtral’s quantum satellites are demonstrator satellites intended to enable commercial quantum communications. These satellites will be used to test the transmission of entangled photons between space and Earth. SpeQtral will operate the satellites and provide data, including pointing parameters and time-stamped onboard measurements, for coordination. Thales Alenia Space will operate the ground station, which is designed to include environmental sensors to assess the impact of local conditions on the quality of quantum signals and to collect synchronized local measurements for cross-analysis of quantum link performance. Thales Alenia Space utilizes its expertise in satellite telecommunication systems, optical terminals, and quantum technology from the Thales Group in this integrated approach.
This collaboration is intended to experimentally validate the technical foundations of future interoperable quantum networks and to explore methods for enhancing their performance. Quantum information networks are projected to enable the interconnection of quantum computers and sensors, aiming for improved performance and resilience. Satellites are considered a key component in these networks for extending connections over long distances and contributing to the development of a future quantum internet. At a later stage, Thales Alenia Space plans to launch the QINSAT satellite to distribute entangled photon pairs to ground stations, including those operated by SpeQtral.
Read the full announcement here.
July 4, 2025
Leave A Comment