SBQuantum, a Canadian company at the forefront of quantum sensing technology, has announced two significant contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to test its quantum diamond magnetometer technology. The innovative technology is making waves in the space exploration sector, with leading national space organizations taking notice, as exemplified by the newly announced partnerships.
We sat down with SBQuantum Co-Founder and CEO, David Roy-Guay to learn more about the company’s milestone contracts, quantum diamond magnetometer technology, and SBQuantum’s plans to modernize and advance a variety of industries with its innovative technology – starting with the space sector.
New Contracts with ESA and CSA
The ESA has contracted SBQuantum to evaluate the viability of the company’s quantum diamond magnetometer technology in space. This contract focuses on assessing the reliability and accuracy of SBQuantum’s sensors and exploring potential applications on satellites. There is particular interest in how these sensors can enhance our understanding of Earth’s magnetic environment, including monitoring magnetic storms that can disrupt navigation and communication systems.
The CSA has also selected SBQuantum to test its magnetometers as part of the STRATOS Program. This initiative involves deploying the sensors at an altitude of 40 kilometers to demonstrate their performance under extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius and radiation exposure. The CSA’s project will also explore magnetic field-based positioning, offering a potential alternative to traditional GPS systems.
Roy-Guay expressed optimism about the partnerships, stating, “These contracts are further evidence of the tremendous potential of the quantum diamond magnetometers we are commercializing at SBQuantum. Years of investment, research and development are now beginning to pay off, as leading organizations in space exploration are acknowledging that our hardware has the potential to provide an important advantage over existing technologies.”
SBQuantum’s Quantum Diamond Magnetometer
The ESA and CSA’s interest in partnering with SBQuantum stems from the company’s quantum diamond magnetometers’ ability to provide stable readings over extended periods, which is crucial for long-term space missions. “The diamond technology has the potential to be much more compact, less power-consuming, and more accurate than what is currently used,” Roy-Guay stated. He further emphasized that “specifically, the national agencies are looking for stability of the sensor over months of time,” a capability that is not achievable with traditional technologies. He noted that the diamond-based technology allows for easier calibration over time because it is based on fundamental quantities of physics, which enhances the precision and fidelity of measuring the magnetic field’s direction.
Diverse Applications
David discussed the broader implications of these contracts for SBQuantum’s strategic direction. “Longer term, our ambition is to provide backup solutions to GPS, particularly for environments where GPS signals are unreliable, like conflict zones or remote areas. In these cases, you need to provide a magnetic field map” he explained, indicating that the contracts with ESA and CSA will help SBQuantum develop this capability in low Earth orbit. He mentions that by deploying their technology, they can create updated magnetic field maps and develop navigation algorithms that rely on magnetic fields, offering a viable alternative to GPS with precision navigation in challenging environments.
Along with this, Roy-Guay highlighted the potential for SBQuantum’s technology in other sectors including Earth observation and mineral exploration. “With low Earth orbit, combined with drone surveys, we can create higher-resolution maps that are invaluable for exploration and mining,” he stated. This capability is particularly relevant as the demand for critical minerals increases in the context of the energy transition.
The Impact of the MagQuest Challenge
Roy-Guay noted that SBQuantum’s participation as a finalist in the MagQuest Challenge has been essential in pushing the company’s capabilities and technology forward. The challenge is organized by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Defence, in partnership with the NASA Tournament Lab. It provides the opportunity for participants to work with the best in the field to refine their technologies and processes.
Future Prospects for Quantum Technology in Space
Looking ahead, Roy-Guay envisions a broader role for quantum technology in future space missions. He stated, “Quantum tech has a lot of potential for space,” pointing to the potential for SBQuantum’s magnetometers to be used in interstellar missions as an example. The technology could measure other planets’ magnetic fields, providing invaluable data for understanding planetary environments.
David also noted applications in quantum secure communications, quantum gravimetry, and quantum radar. He expressed optimism about the future adoption of these technologies, predicting that “over the next five to ten years, we will see quantum technologies like these being adopted more widely, and not only in the space industry.”
SBQuantum’s recent contracts with the ESA and CSA highlight the growing recognition of its quantum diamond magnetometers in the space technology sector. As the company continues to collaborate with leading space agencies, its advancements in quantum sensing technology are set to advance our understanding of Earth’s magnetic environment and support a range of applications in space exploration and beyond.
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