News

SpeQtral, a leading quantum communication technology company, has selected NanoAvionics as the satellite bus provider for its upcoming SpeQtral-1 mission. The mission aims to provide quantum security services, particularly for communications that are threatened by the emergence of quantum computing. NanoAvionics, a smallsat bus manufacturer and mission integrator, will utilize its technical expertise to assist in the development of the nanosatellite. The satellite will be based on NanoAvionics’s M16P bus, which has already been proven in multiple Earth observation missions.

Mbryonics, another partner in the project, will be responsible for producing the satellite’s optical terminal. This component will enable the transmission of quantum key distribution (QKD) photons from the satellite to optical ground stations. The SpeQtral-1 mission is expected to be used in conjunction with SpeQtre for the European Space Agency’s INT-UQKD program, which seeks to explore international use cases for operational QKD applications and services.

SpeQtral-1 will be SpeQtral’s second QKD satellite, following the SpeQtre technology demonstrator mission. The company cited NanoAvionics’s track record, expertise, and portfolio as the reasons for selecting them as a partner. SpeQtral’s CTO, Rob Bedington, expressed excitement about the collaboration and the future of secure connectivity delivered by CubeSats.

Lum Chune Yang, CEO of SpeQtral, highlighted the business prospects and reference value that the SpeQtral-1 mission brings to their QKD services. The joint effort between SpeQtral and Mbryonics in developing the quantum-optical terminal also opens opportunities for organizations and nations with quantum security requirements to incorporate this technology into their own satellite missions.

NanoAvionics CEO, Vytenis J. Buzas, described the partnership as a critical step into the quantum era and emphasized the power of global cooperation in pushing technological advancements. Similarly, John Mackey, CEO of Mbryonics, expressed honor and excitement in contributing to building a more secure world through the SpeQtral-1 mission.

Overall, the collaboration between SpeQtral, NanoAvionics, and Mbryonics represents a significant advancement in quantum communication and secure transmission channels.

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