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Quantum in Orbit: The Global Race for Space-Based Quantum Sensors
Orbital quantum sensors set to redefine navigation, climate monitoring and fundamental physics.
Introduction: The Quantum Leap into Space
Quantum technology is transforming modern science and defense capabilities, and space-based quantum sensors represent the next frontier. Nations around the world are investing heavily in these ultra-precise sensors, which have the potential to revolutionize navigation, surveillance, and fundamental physics experiments. With growing geopolitical competition, countries such as the United States, China, the European Union, Russia, and India are racing to deploy these advanced quantum systems in space.
Quantum technology (QT) is revolutionizing life on Earth by harnessing fundamental quantum mechanical principles such as superposition, entanglement, and the no-cloning theorem. While QT is already making significant strides in computing and communication, its application in space-based sensing is emerging as a new frontier with the potential to transform climate science, navigation, and fundamental physics research.
Quantum Sensors: Redefining Precision Measurement
Quantum sensors leverage the fundamental principles of quantum entanglement and quantum superposition to measure physical quantities with extraordinary precision, surpassing the capabilities of classical systems. These sensors exhibit extreme sensitivity to external disturbances, making them invaluable for applications where even the slightest variations in time, gravitational forces, electromagnetic fields, or acceleration must be detected. Unlike traditional measurement devices, quantum sensors exploit atomic-level interactions to achieve unprecedented accuracy, opening new possibilities for navigation, geophysics, and remote sensing.
Key quantum sensing technologies are transforming multiple domains. Next-generation quantum clocks, based on single atoms, will revolutionize timekeeping by losing only one second in a billion years, compared to the 100 million-year precision of today’s Cesium and Rubidium clocks. crucial for future global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and space missions.
Quantum gravimeters provide superior sensitivity in detecting minute gravitational changes, making them invaluable for earthquake prediction, resource exploration, and geophysical surveys. Quantum navigation, using highly precise atomic interferometers, offers an alternative to GPS, ensuring reliable positioning in GPS-denied environments such as underwater, deep space, or heavily obstructed urban landscapes. Meanwhile, quantum imaging utilizes quantum entanglement to capture high-resolution images in low-light conditions or through obstructions, with applications in 3D cameras, behind-the-corner vision systems, and advanced LiDAR and radar technologies. Quantum LiDAR and radar enhance imaging and detection in extreme environments, such as planetary surfaces with low visibility or underwater navigation.
The advantages of quantum sensing extend beyond precision. These sensors can measure electric and magnetic fields across a broad frequency range, ensuring minimal drift and eliminating the need for recalibration. Additionally, by leveraging quantum entanglement, they can significantly enhance sensitivity and precision, paving the way for breakthroughs in medical imaging, defense, space exploration, and environmental monitoring. As quantum sensing technologies continue to evolve, they promise to transform scientific research, global security, and industrial applications, unlocking new frontiers in precision measurement and real-time situational awareness.
Space-Based Quantum Sensors: The New Frontier
Deploying quantum sensors in space revolutionizes Earth observation, climate monitoring, and astrophysics. With long baselines, gravitational potential variations, and an ultra-low noise environment, space offers ideal conditions for quantum experiments that push the boundaries of fundamental physics. These conditions enable precise tests of Einstein’s equivalence principle, searches for deviations from the Standard Model, and potential discoveries of exotic physics, such as dark matter interactions or quantum gravity effects. By leveraging space-based quantum technologies, scientists can explore new frontiers in relativity, cosmology, and particle physics with unprecedented precision. From tracking climate change through highly sensitive gravimetric measurements to improving inertial navigation in GNSS-deprived environments, quantum sensors are paving the way for breakthroughs in both scientific discovery and technological applications in space exploration.
Governments worldwide are investing heavily in quantum sensors for space applications. These advanced devices, which leverage the ultra-sensitive properties of quantum systems, promise to enhance Earth observation, space navigation, and astronomical research. As the global race to develop and deploy space-based quantum sensors intensifies, nations are vying to establish technological superiority in this critical field.
Space-Based Quantum Sensors: A New Era in Earth Observation and Climate Monitoring
One of the most promising applications of space-based quantum sensors is monitoring Earth’s climate and mass transport phenomena. Gravity mapping satellites equipped with quantum gravimeters can track subtle gravitational changes caused by ocean currents, ice sheet movements, and tectonic activity. These insights can vastly improve climate models and disaster prediction.
With the intensifying impact of global warming, Earth observation has become one of the most crucial scientific endeavors of our time. Satellite-based gravimetry already plays a key role in monitoring global mass transport phenomena, offering invaluable insights into the distribution and movement of water—a critical factor in climate change. By providing real-time data on ice sheet melting, ocean currents, and groundwater depletion, these measurements help scientists refine climate models, assess long-term environmental changes, and develop strategies for mitigating their effects.
One of the most promising applications of space-based quantum sensors lies in gravitational field mapping. Earthquakes, tectonic shifts, and underground mass movements subtly alter Earth’s gravity field, and quantum gravimeters can detect these changes with extreme precision. This data not only enhances our ability to predict seismic activity but also improves geological models, helping identify subsurface energy resources such as geothermal reservoirs and mineral deposits. Similar to how gravitational wave detection has revolutionized astronomy, high-resolution gravitational mapping could transform our understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes. Recognizing this potential, ESA and NASA are advancing next-generation gravity missions with significantly enhanced resolution and sensitivity.
However, classical measurement techniques face inherent limitations. Conventional accelerometers used in past gravity missions struggle with low-frequency noise and long-term drifts, restricting their ability to accurately model Earth’s temporal gravitational fluctuations. Quantum-based sensors, leveraging cold-atom interferometry, promise to overcome these limitations, enabling unprecedented precision in monitoring mass redistributions over time. NASA’s upcoming Mass Change (MC) Mission, scheduled for launch in 2026, aims to incorporate such advanced technologies, marking a major leap toward more accurate and reliable geodesy. As quantum sensing technologies continue to mature, they will unlock new frontiers in climate science, disaster prediction, and planetary exploration.
Quantum Mapping of Earth’s Mass Dynamics
Satellite-based gravimetry has revolutionized our understanding of global mass transport phenomena, offering critical insights into climate change and Earth’s geophysical processes. However, classical electrostatic accelerometers, which have been the backbone of previous gravity missions, suffer from low-frequency noise and long-term drifts, limiting their ability to precisely model temporal fluctuations in Earth’s gravitational field. To address these challenges, quantum-enhanced gravimetry, powered by atom interferometry, is set to transform space geodesy, enabling far more accurate measurements of Earth’s mass distribution and movement over time.
Quantum sensors can measure even the tiniest variations in gravitational forces acting on a satellite as it orbits Earth. These minute changes, caused by factors such as deep ocean currents, glacial shifts, continental drift, and flooding, provide an unprecedented level of detail about Earth’s internal and external mass movements. For instance, tracking subsurface water movement at a high resolution can improve predictions of droughts and floods, while monitoring continental stress buildup can enhance earthquake forecasting.
As Rainer Kaltenbaek from the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Austria explains, space-based quantum sensors will enable a new era of Earth observation—one where we can monitor natural disasters, resource depletion, and climate-induced shifts with unparalleled accuracy. These advancements will not only refine our climate models but also aid in disaster preparedness, helping policymakers take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of environmental changes. By integrating quantum technologies into future satellite missions, scientists are unlocking new frontiers in planetary science, resource management, and environmental protection.
Revolutionizing Timekeeping with Space-Based Quantum Clocks
Ultra-precise atomic clocks are essential for advancing global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), deep-space communication, and fundamental physics research. Future space-based quantum clocks will establish highly stable and synchronized timekeeping networks, unlocking groundbreaking possibilities across multiple domains.
The next generation of space-based quantum clocks is poised to revolutionize timekeeping and geolocation with unprecedented precision. Unlike conventional atomic clocks, these quantum devices are not only capable of maintaining ultra-stable time but also of transmitting this time information with extreme accuracy over vast distances. This capability will lead to highly synchronized space-based clock networks, surpassing the precision of today’s global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), such as GPS. Improved timekeeping will enhance geolocation services, precision navigation, and fundamental physics experiments, paving the way for new applications in scientific exploration and technological innovation.
One of the most significant impacts will be on GNSS accuracy, where improved synchronization between satellites will drastically reduce positioning errors, benefiting autonomous navigation, aerospace operations, and military applications. Additionally, quantum-enhanced timekeeping will enable synthetic aperture telescopes, where precisely timed light-wave arrival data can be used to create high-resolution images of distant celestial objects, enhancing observational astronomy and exoplanet detection. These advanced clocks will also allow for precision tests of general relativity, such as time dilation experiments at varying gravitational potentials, providing deeper insights into spacetime and potential deviations from Einstein’s theory.
Beyond navigation, quantum timekeeping will enable synthetic aperture telescopes for visible light, a game-changing advancement in astronomy. By recording the precise arrival time of light waves at multiple locations in space, these clocks will allow astronomers to computationally reconstruct images with a resolution equivalent to a telescope spanning thousands of kilometers. While this technique has been used successfully in radio astronomy—famously producing the first image of a supermassive black hole in 2019—applying it to visible light has remained out of reach due to the nanometer-scale wavelengths involved. Quantum clocks will overcome this limitation, enabling the observation of exoplanets in unprecedented detail and enhancing gravitational wave detectors to pick up fainter signals from cosmic events like colliding neutron stars. These advancements promise to unlock entirely new realms of discovery, deepening our understanding of the universe.
Global efforts are driving the development of these quantum timekeeping systems. Europe’s Space Optical Clock (SOC) initiative aims to deploy high-stability optical lattice clocks in orbit, significantly surpassing traditional atomic clocks in accuracy. Meanwhile, China’s space-based quantum timekeeping projects are pioneering new approaches to long-term frequency stability, laying the groundwork for next-generation navigation, secure communication, and fundamental physics experiments in space. As these technologies mature, they will redefine the precision and reliability of timekeeping in both terrestrial and space applications.
Space Navigation and Quantum Inertial Sensing
One of the biggest challenges in space exploration is precise navigation without relying on GPS. Quantum sensors, particularly quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes, can revolutionize deep-space travel by enabling autonomous navigation systems. These devices use atom interferometry to measure acceleration and rotation with extreme precision, allowing spacecraft to navigate based on fundamental physical laws rather than external signals.
China, the U.S., and the European Union are aggressively pursuing space-based quantum inertial navigation. The UK’s Gravity Pioneer mission, for instance, aims to deploy quantum accelerometers for GPS-independent positioning. Meanwhile, China has developed quantum navigation technology for submarines and spacecraft, significantly reducing their dependence on satellite signals.
Breakthroughs in Space-Based Atom Interferometry
Gravitational Wave Detection and Astrophysics
Gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events—are currently detected using terrestrial observatories like LIGO and Virgo. However, space-based quantum interferometers could dramatically enhance detection sensitivity by eliminating Earth-bound noise sources.
NASA’s Cold Atom Lab (CAL) on the International Space Station (ISS) has demonstrated atom interferometry in orbit, paving the way for future gravitational wave detectors. The proposed Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, led by ESA, will employ ultra-precise quantum sensors to detect gravitational waves from colliding neutron stars and black holes, expanding our understanding of the universe.
The first demonstration of atom interferometry in orbit occurred in April 2021, following a major upgrade to NASA’s Cold Atom Lab (CAL) onboard the International Space Station (ISS). This marked a significant step toward leveraging matter-wave interferometry for advanced scientific exploration. These quantum sensors, based on the wave-particle duality of matter, allow particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling exquisite precision in measuring gravitational forces and inertial movements. Such technology could be crucial for dark energy searches, gravitational wave detection, and spacecraft navigation.
By cooling atoms to below 1 microKelvin, researchers can create Bose-Einstein condensates, a purely quantum state of matter that enables unprecedented acceleration and rotation sensitivity. Much like optical interferometers such as LIGO, which detect gravitational waves, atom interferometers utilize coherent matter waves to measure gravitational fluctuations at extreme sensitivity. These quantum sensors are poised to redefine planetary geodesy, offering the capability to map planetary interiors, track mass movements with unprecedented resolution, and refine our understanding of fundamental physics.
Cold Atoms and Fundamental Physics
Achieving atom interferometry in space has long been a goal for NASA, ESA, and other research institutions. The promise of extended free-fall conditions in space, combined with ultracold atomic gases, is expected to unlock a new regime of precision sensing for inertial navigation and gravity science.
The expansion of quantum technologies into space has opened new frontiers in fundamental physics, precision measurement, and next-generation navigation systems. Among the most significant milestones in this domain are the first Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) produced in space and ultraprecise atomic clock experiments. These pioneering achievements leverage the unique advantages of the space environment—such as microgravity, long interrogation times, and reduced environmental noise—to enable experiments that are impossible on Earth.
The first Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) in space mark a revolutionary milestone in quantum science. BECs are ultracold states of matter in which atoms exhibit macroscopic quantum coherence, making them highly sensitive to gravitational and electromagnetic fields. Achieving BECs in space opens the door to quantum sensors with unprecedented precision.
In 2017, the MAIUS-1 mission (Matter-Wave Interferometry in Microgravity) became the first to produce a BEC in space. Launched aboard a sub-orbital rocket, it used rubidium atoms to demonstrate the feasibility of ultracold atom experiments beyond Earth, offering new insights into matter-wave interferometry under microgravity conditions. Building on this breakthrough, NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) began operations on the International Space Station in 2018, marking the first orbital BEC experiment. Freed from Earth’s gravitational constraints, CAL allows for much longer free-fall times, enabling studies of atom interferometry, wavefunction evolution, and fundamental physics that cannot be conducted on the ground. In May 2020, CAL successfully demonstrated a BEC-based quantum interferometer in orbit, using laser pulses to manipulate atomic wave packets and create interference patterns. This historic achievement proved the potential for space-based quantum sensors to map gravitational anomalies, study deep-space phenomena, and even detect subsurface minerals on planetary bodies.
China’s Cold Atom Clock Experiment in Space (CACES), launched on Tiangong-2 in 2016, represented the nation’s first attempt at a cold atom clock in orbit. By laser-cooling rubidium atoms, it achieved ultraprecise timekeeping in space, laying a foundation for quantum-enhanced global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).
These groundbreaking experiments are transforming multiple domains. Cold atom interferometers in space can detect minute variations in gravitational potential with extraordinary precision, enabling applications such as high-accuracy geodesy, real-time gravitational wave detection, and dark matter exploration. Quantum-enhanced atomic clocks offer unmatched timekeeping stability, improving GNSS by minimizing errors from relativistic time dilation and gravitational shifts, ensuring more accurate positioning and synchronization for autonomous navigation, deep-space missions, and military operations. Space-based platforms also provide ideal conditions—long baselines, gravitational potential differences, and extended free-fall times—for testing Einstein’s general relativity, probing potential violations of the equivalence principle, and searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model.
By leveraging the unique advantages of space, these quantum technologies are redefining how we measure, navigate, and explore. They are not only expanding the frontiers of fundamental physics but also driving technological innovations with far-reaching implications for Earth observation, planetary exploration, and future space missions.
Leading Players in the Space-Based Quantum Race
As space agencies worldwide continue investing in quantum sensing technologies, the integration of quantum sensors into future space missions is becoming increasingly likely. These advancements will enhance Earth observation, improve navigation systems, and deepen our understanding of the universe. The transition from experimental demonstrations to operational satellite missions is expected to define the next era of space exploration, where quantum mechanics provides the foundation for breakthrough scientific discoveries and strategic advancements.
United States: Pushing the Frontiers of Quantum Sensing
China: The Quantum Supremacy Contender
China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in quantum technology, spearheading groundbreaking advancements in quantum communication, sensing, and timekeeping. The launch of Micius, the world’s first quantum satellite in 2016, marked a significant milestone, demonstrating quantum entanglement distribution over 1,200 km and proving the feasibility of secure quantum communication from space. This achievement laid the foundation for China’s ambitious pursuit of a global quantum internet and advanced space-based quantum sensing capabilities.
Expanding on its quantum leadership, China is now actively developing quantum gravimetry satellites to map Earth’s gravitational anomalies with unprecedented precision, potentially revolutionizing resource exploration, earthquake prediction, and climate monitoring. Additionally, cold-atom-based quantum sensors are being explored for high-precision geophysical mapping, intelligence gathering, and autonomous navigation. These developments hold significant strategic implications, as quantum-enhanced sensing could provide advantages in military applications, including stealth detection, missile tracking, and advanced situational awareness.
With continuous investments in space-based quantum technologies, China is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the global quantum race. Its advancements in quantum satellites, secure communication networks, and quantum-enhanced remote sensing not only strengthen national security but also push the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Europe has emerged as a key player in space-based quantum technologies, with the European Space Agency (ESA), Germany’s DLR, and France’s CNES driving significant advancements. The European Union’s Quantum Flagship Program, a €1 billion, 10-year initiative, is accelerating research in quantum sensing, communication, and computing. A flagship project, the Space-Time Explorer and Quantum Equivalence Principle Space Test (STE-QUEST), aims to test Einstein’s equivalence principle using space-based quantum sensors, providing new insights into fundamental physics and potential deviations from general relativity.
Beyond fundamental research, Europe is integrating quantum sensing into practical applications. The Next-Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM) will deploy quantum accelerometers for high-precision geodesy, improving Earth’s gravity mapping and aiding climate studies. Additionally, the EU’s Quantum Internet Project seeks to establish space-based quantum communication nodes, enabling a global-scale quantum-secured network. ESA is also developing quantum-enhanced Earth observation satellites, which will offer unprecedented precision in tracking climate change, ocean currents, and atmospheric variations. These initiatives position Europe as a leader in harnessing quantum technologies for scientific discovery and real-world applications.
University of Sussex Develops Remote Monitoring System for Quantum Devices
In February 2022, researchers at the University of Sussex unveiled a remote monitoring and control system blueprint for quantum devices and experiments, marking a significant step forward in quantum technology management. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Quantum Science and Technology, the research outlines how the university’s Quantum Systems and Devices group has successfully established a remote-access framework to monitor and regulate environmental factors in their ultracold quantum laboratories. Given the extreme sensitivity of quantum apparatus to external disturbances, maintaining stable conditions is crucial. This monitoring system provides real-time data on temperature, pressure, laser alignment, and magnetic fields, enabling researchers to detect and resolve potential issues before they compromise the integrity of quantum experiments.
The implications of this innovation extend far beyond the laboratory. This technology could prove invaluable in challenging or remote environments, such as space, underground research facilities, and areas with unpredictable weather conditions. Additionally, it has the potential to enhance AI-human collaboration and support online learning in quantum research. Future applications may involve quantum sensors that improve GPS-free navigation in maritime environments, battery health diagnostics in electric vehicles, and advanced medical imaging for brain scans. As quantum technologies grow in complexity, so do the risks of system failures and experimental delays. The University of Sussex’s real-time monitoring system addresses this challenge by proactively identifying environmental disruptions, significantly reducing downtime and accelerating advancements in quantum research.
Australia’s Quantum Technology Advances
Australia has emerged as a global leader in quantum science and technology, driven by strong government investment, world-class research institutions, and a thriving quantum startup ecosystem. The country is actively developing quantum solutions across computing, sensing, cryptography, and communications, with applications spanning defense, space, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Key government initiatives, such as the National Quantum Strategy, aim to position Australia at the forefront of the quantum revolution by fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and international partners.
Several Australian organizations are making significant strides in quantum innovation. Companies like Q-CTRL are pioneering quantum control software and sensing technologies, while research institutions such as UNSW Sydney, the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University (ANU) are advancing quantum computing, quantum materials, and quantum cryptography. Australia is also a key player in the development of silicon-based quantum processors, with researchers working on scalable quantum architectures that could revolutionize computing. With strong public and private sector support, Australia is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of global quantum technologies.
As part of Australia’s growing investment in quantum technologies, Q-CTRL has secured a $3.5 million grant under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) to advance the development of space-based quantum sensors. The funding will support Earth’s magnetic field measurements using small-form satellites, enabling continuous global coverage for climate monitoring, mineral exploration, and geospatial intelligence. These sensors offer a low-cost, high-precision alternative to traditional Earth observation tools, with applications extending to defense and geophysics research.
Russia: Strategic Moves in Quantum Tech
While Russia has been a pioneer in space technology, its progress in quantum sensing and space-based quantum applications has lagged behind the U.S., China, and Europe. However, the country is now intensifying its quantum research efforts, with Roscosmos collaborating with leading Russian quantum institutes to develop next-generation space-based quantum technologies. Russia’s historical expertise in quantum mechanics, dating back to the Soviet era, provides a strong foundation for advancing quantum sensing and secure communications in space.
Recent announcements suggest that Russia is focusing on military and geophysical applications of quantum sensing. Plans include deploying quantum gravimetry satellites to enhance strategic resource mapping, particularly for Arctic exploration and natural resource discovery. Additionally, Russia is investing in quantum-encrypted satellite communication systems to strengthen cybersecurity and counter emerging cyber threats. Another priority is quantum-based electronic warfare (EW), aimed at disrupting adversary navigation and communication systems using advanced quantum interference techniques. These efforts signal Russia’s ambition to reclaim a leading position in space-based quantum technologies, aligning with its broader geopolitical and defense strategy.
India: A Rising Contender in Space-Based Quantum Technologies
India is rapidly emerging as a key player in quantum research, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and premier scientific institutions exploring quantum communication, sensing, and navigation for both civilian and defense applications. Recognizing the strategic importance of quantum technology, India has outlined an ambitious quantum roadmap, aiming to integrate space-based quantum sensors into future missions within the next decade.
ISRO is currently developing India’s first quantum communication satellite, designed to establish ultra-secure communication links for government and defense applications. Research institutions across India are also working on quantum gravity sensors, which could be used for geophysical surveys, space exploration, and earthquake prediction. Furthermore, India is actively participating in global quantum collaborations, leveraging its expertise in satellite technology to integrate quantum-enhanced sensors into upcoming space missions. These initiatives position India as a rising force in the global quantum space race, contributing to advancements in secure communication, precision navigation, and fundamental physics research.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While space-based quantum sensors promise revolutionary advancements, several technological and operational hurdles must be overcome for their full potential to be realized. One of the biggest challenges is their extreme sensitivity—quantum systems are highly susceptible to environmental disturbances, requiring precise shielding from cosmic radiation and ultra-stable conditions to maintain coherence. Additionally, the miniaturization and scalability of quantum technologies remain a major obstacle. Deploying these sensors on satellites necessitates shrinking complex quantum optics, cryogenics, and atomic cooling systems without compromising performance.
Beyond technical challenges, the geopolitical implications of quantum sensing are profound. Nations are racing to gain a quantum advantage in defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity, as quantum sensors could enhance stealth detection, missile tracking, and cryptographic security. Looking ahead, the future of space-based quantum sensing will be shaped by breakthroughs in quantum navigation, Earth observation, and deep-space exploration. As global investments in quantum technology surge, we are entering a new era of space science—one where quantum mechanics redefines precision measurement, secure communication, and fundamental physics research in ways never before imagined.
Conclusion: The Quantum Space Race Heats Up
Space-based quantum sensors represent the next frontier in Earth observation, navigation, and fundamental physics. Nations worldwide are investing heavily in these technologies, with the U.S., China, and Europe leading the race. As quantum sensors become more sophisticated, they will unlock new capabilities in climate science, space travel, and astrophysics, shaping the future of scientific exploration and global security.
The quantum space race is just beginning, and its impact will extend far beyond our planet, opening up unprecedented opportunities for technological and scientific breakthroughs in the years to come.
The global push for space-based quantum sensors is reshaping the technological landscape. China, the U.S., Europe, Russia, and India are making strategic advancements in quantum communication, navigation, and sensing. With continued breakthroughs in quantum optics, atomic physics, and satellite technology, the space-based quantum revolution is set to redefine global security, scientific discovery, and technological supremacy in the 21st century.
References and Resources also include:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-07/hmc-qa070821.php
https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/the-future-of-space-based-quantum-technology
https://phys.org/news/2022-02-big-quantum-tech-space.html
