Skip to main content
Research

With quantum technology in space to faster Internet

Q.ANT, Bosch, TRUMPF and German Aerospace Center aim to use quantum sensors to control satellites

2022-08-26
Renningen, Germany
An illustrated graphic visualizing quantum sensors as they control satellites in space, with the caption: “Quantum based Gyroscopes – The future of highly precise attitude determination in space”.

The first satellite guided by quantum technology is to lift off into space in 2027. Bosch Research, Q.ANT GmbH, TRUMPF, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, and the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e.V. forged a partnership (QYRO) to build space-ready rotation rate sensors.

Powered by quantum technology, these sensors are expected to help precisely align thousands of mini-satellites and boost global data communications. Bosch Research plays a key role in this project. In previous projects, the Bosch Research experts did essential groundwork in the design of the quantum sensor.

Bosch Research as part of the cooperation is working on the “heart of the quantum sensor” — a compact, space-qualified measuring cell filled with an atomic gas. The measurement principle is based on quantum mechanical behavior of these atoms. Bosch is developing this atomic measuring cell and the system’s electronics and making it available to the QYRO project.