In a strategic move aimed at pushing the frontier of mineral exploration, Australian space and exploration tech firm Fleet Space Technologies has announced collaborations with three quantum sensing innovators: mDetect, Nomad Atomics, and DeteQt. These partnerships are designed to accelerate the development and integration of advanced quantum sensors into Fleet’s ExoSphere platform, a vertically integrated system for satellite-connected, AI-driven geophysical exploration.
The initiative targets the growing demand for critical minerals essential to the energy transition and high-tech manufacturing. By incorporating muon tomography, quantum gravimetry, and diamond-based quantum magnetometry, Fleet aims to significantly enhance subsurface imaging resolution and reduce the need for invasive exploration.
- mDetect brings muon tomography capabilities to the table, enabling passive, deep-penetration subsurface imaging by detecting naturally occurring cosmic-ray muons. This complements existing geophysical methods and strengthens AI-driven drill targeting.
- Nomad Atomics contributes quantum gravimeters and accelerometers capable of delivering high-resolution, drift-free gravity data without a base station—ideal for dynamic, real-time exploration.
- DeteQt offers diamond-on-chip quantum magnetometers, providing vector magnetic field measurements with high precision. These miniaturized sensors will support scalable, low-impact deployment for 3D conductivity modeling.
According to Fleet’s Chief Scientist Dr. Gerrit Olivier, the fusion of these quantum measurements within a joint inversion framework—alongside seismic, gravity, and magnetotelluric data—creates an unprecedented 3D understanding of geological formations. This unified system is expected to significantly reduce exploration timelines and environmental impact.
The company also hinted at space-based applications, including integration of these quantum sensors on asteroid missions and the 2026 SPIDER mission to the Moon, underscoring the dual-use potential of Fleet’s technologies for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial mineral exploration. Fleet is positioning itself at the intersection of quantum sensing, AI, and space-enabled geophysics for the next era of resource discovery.
June 21, 2025
