DOE’s Quantum in Space Collaboration Gains Five New Signatories

Insider Brief

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Quantum in Space Collaboration has added five new signatories—Boeing, Axiom Space, Vescent, Qrypt, and USRA—strengthening efforts to develop quantum-enabled technologies for the space economy and infrastructure.
• The initiative will explore how quantum technologies, including quantum sensing and communications, can enhance resource exploration, secure orbital assets, and enable manufacturing in microgravity to scale a sustainable space economy.
• Industry leaders recognized the importance of fostering public and private sector partnerships in creating the next space economy and encouraging space exploration.

PRESS RELEASE — U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions proudly announced an expansion to the Quantum in Space Collaboration, featuring an additional five signatories of support. The additional new signatories include Boeing, Axiom Space, Vescent and Qrypt. USRA. Blue Origin is also currently reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This is the second round of signatories, joining Infleqtion, Accenture, and Nebula, demonstrating the ongoing commitment and collaboration between the public and private sectors in fostering disruptive quantum technologies and building a space economy. “We are excited to support a quantum enabled space economy for the revitalization of earth,” said Rima Oueid, DOE Office of Technology Transitions Senior Commercialization Executive. “We see unique opportunities in space to develop and leverage not just quantum computing, but also quantum sensing and quantum networking/communications. For example, we can use quantum sensing to help with position, navigation, and timing as well as enable resource exploration and mining in space. This could help us scale and secure space manufacturing. Also, microgravity can be an asset to enable manufacturing, create new materials and leverage quantum applications in ways that could not be done on earth. The quantum race to space is on!” This collaboration will provide initial feasibility assessments and demonstrations that could form the foundation for deploying an unhackable mesh network of full grade datacenters delivering hybrid quantum computing capabilities, enhanced by quantum sensing, powered by nuclear energy, and connected by secure quantum communications. In addition, this collaboration will explore how quantum could support and secure a space economy, including resource exploration and manufacturing in space. “Axiom Space is excited to collaborate with the U.S. government and industry in developing the foundations for quantum communications and networking in space,” said Jason Aspiotis, Global Director In-Space Data & Security, Axiom Space. “This collaboration aligns with Axiom Space’s work to develop secure orbital data centers and commercial space station infrastructure.” “Qrypt is excited to expand our collaboration with DOE into the space domain by utilizing our quantum solutions developed in partnership with the National Labs. The challenge of securing assets in orbit is crucial, especially as space communications and data processing continue to grow rapidly. We are honored to join industry leaders in building a resilient and secure foundation for the future.” “Quantum technologies and aerospace bring together two disruptive technologies for strategic advantage and commercial upside.  As a quantum infrastructure company, Vescent is thrilled to be a part of making this happen.” USRA is a nonprofit corporation with mission since 1969 to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering and to promote collaboration among government, academia, and industry. USRA’s R&D activities include space science, advanced computing, and commercial space. USRA expands the frontiers of space exploration and discovery through its R&D programs, workforce development efforts, and space-related activities.