News

SpeQtral, a leading quantum communication technology company, has announced that it has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics as the satellite bus provider for its upcoming SpeQtral-1 mission. This mission aims to provide communication services that require quantum security through quantum key distribution (QKD) technology.

SpeQtral-1 will be a nanosatellite based on NanoAvionics’s M16P bus, which has been successfully used in multiple Earth observation missions. The satellite will use an optical terminal provided by Mbryonics to transmit QKD photons from the hardware onboard the satellite to optical ground stations.

The mission is also expected to be used as the space segment for the ESA INT-UQKD program, which will 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.

SpeQtral’s selection of NanoAvionics as the satellite bus provider is due to their expertise and track record in building and launching satellite missions. According to Rob Bedington, the CTO of SpeQtral, the collaboration between NanoAvionics and Mbryonics on this mission will pave the way for the future of global secure connectivity.

Lum Chune Yang, the Co-Founder and CEO of SpeQtral, sees promising business prospects for the SpeQtral-1 mission, as it will enable SpeQtral-delivered QKD services and serve as a reference for future QKD satellite products. The collaboration between SpeQtral and Mbryonics has resulted in a compact QKD and laser communications transmitter product that can be integrated into satellites of all sizes.

Vytenis J. Buzas, the CEO of NanoAvionics, believes that this collaboration signifies a critical step into the quantum era and showcases the power of global cooperation in pioneering technological advancements. John Mackey, the CEO of Mbryonics, is honored to be chosen as the optical communications technology partner for the SpeQtral-1 mission and is excited about contributing their expertise to building a more secure world.

Overall, the partnership between SpeQtral, NanoAvionics, and Mbryonics aims to revolutionize secure communication channels through QKD technology, pushing the boundaries of quantum communication and setting new benchmarks in secure and unbreakable communication.

The post SpeQtral Chooses NanoAvionics as Satellite Bus Provider for SpeQtral-1 Mission appeared first on ISP Today.