Quantum physics takes off (literally)

With this famous phrase, often taken out of context, Feynman was expressing that it is impossible to develop an intuitive understanding of quantum mechanics based on our everyday experiences, which are far removed from the realms of the very small, the very cold, and the very isolated. Nevertheless, quantum principles are deeply understood, enabling the development of technologies that have a tangible impact on society.

At GMV, we don’t just understand quantum mechanics—we apply it to transform the space sector.

From quantum key distribution for secure communications to optimizing satellite image capture, quantum technologies have evolved from theoretical curiosity to essential tools in space, moving from the laboratory to orbit.

In this article, we explore how GMV is leading this revolution in space through innovative projects in communications, metrology, navigation, and quantum computing.

Two quantum revolutions and their impact on space

The development of quantum technologies has taken place in two major waves:

The first quantum-driven technological revolution was based on the application of “coarse” quantum principles, often expressible in semi-classical terms. Examples of these technologies include transistors, which form the backbone of modern electronics, including systems onboard satellites; atomic clocks, essential for satellite navigation systems like Galileo and any environment requiring sub-nanosecond timing accuracy; and lasers, used in optical communications with space devices.

The second wave, already in this century, takes advantage of subtle, intimately quantum phenomena, such as superposition, entanglement, interference and the tunnel effect to develop cutting-edge technology.

GMV has brought these advances to space in various strategic projects.

Caramuel: quantum key distribution from space

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables the creation of theoretically unbreakable communication channels, thanks to the very principles of quantum mechanics.

Although QKD has primarily been implemented over optical fiber, using it in space offers significant advantages, though it also poses considerable technical challenges.

At a time of pioneering experiments such as China’s Micius satellite and Europe’s Eagle-1 mission (whose control center was developed by GMV), a Spanish initiative is seeking to provide a commercial QKD service from geostationary orbit.

GMV participated in Caramuel, the feasibility study and preliminary design phase of this project, where we were responsible for the ground segment, including key distillation, cryptographic chain management, satellite and optical station control, and mission planning.

Carioqa: quantum sensors in space

Quantum metrology uses highly sensitive quantum sensors to measure physical quantities with unprecedented precision. 

The objective of the Carioqa (Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometry) project is to design, build, qualify, and fly the first quantum accelerometer in space by 2030. This instrument will measure minute variations in the Earth’s gravitational field caused by glacier melting, tectonic activity, and fluctuations in groundwater levels. Furthermore, as a scientific “byproduct,” the mission will make it possible to test the weak equivalence principle with unprecedented accuracy.

GMV contributes to Carioqa with mission analysis.

Quantico: Secure quantum navigation from space

Current space-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems face threats such as spoofing and jamming. 

The solution could come from quantum mechanics. 

At GMV, we designed, developed, and validated Quantico, a prototype combining quantum metrology and quantum key distribution techniques to measure with high precision and security the time difference between two clocks and their associated pseudorange.

In laboratory and field tests simulating low Earth orbit conditions, we achieved a precision of 6 cm in pseudorange calculations, making Quantico a viable alternative for more secure satellite navigation systems.

CUCO: Quantum computing for challenges in space

While quantum computing is still in its early stages (GMV installed Spain’s first quantum computer in 2023), its potential for the industry is already being explored. 

In this context, GMV leads CUCO, an applied research project focused on developing quantum algorithms for strategic sectors.

One of the most promising use cases is the Satellite Mission Planning Problem (SMPP). Selecting optimal images to capture, considering time, storage, and orbital geometry constraints, represents a combinatorial optimization challenge, a variant of the knapsack problem.

We’ve analyzed over 30 scenarios and tested different quantum technologies, including D-Wave annealing machines, hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, and variational quantum optimization.

The results have been promising, and while we are still far from demonstrating a quantum advantage in practical applications, quantum computing is opening new possibilities for space mission planning.

From quantum theory to space

“Nature isn’t classical, dammit, and if you want to make a simulation of nature, you’d better make it quantum mechanical.” – Richard Feynman

Here at GMV, we know this well.

Quantum technologies have moved from the laboratory to applied engineering, and their integration into the space sector is progressing rapidly. 

The quantum future of space is already underway, and GMV continues to lead the way.

Author: Juan Carlos Gil