Skip to content

01 Pioneers of space-based quantum communication

We produced the world’s first orbiting entangled photon source in a shoebox-size satellite. With this milestone complete, we can focus on systems integration and quantum physics.

SpooQy-1

SpooQy-1, launched 2019, was the culmination of decades of quantum technology development at CQT. It was the first cube-sat in the world to demonstrate a successful operation of a polarization entangled source and detectors in space.

Size:
3U
Quantum Payload:
Entangled photon source and two detectors
Telescope Aperture:
N/A
SpeQtre

SpeQtral in collaboration with RAL Space launched the second gen entangled photon source in November 2025. It incorporates the lessons learnt on SpooQy-1. This mission aims to demonstrate QKD using BBM92 protocol from space.

Size:
12U
Quantum Payload:
Entangled photon source and single downlink
Telescope Aperture:
8cm
SpeQtral-1

SpeQtral-1 is a follow-on commercial tech-demonstrator mission with the aim to validate global QKD distribution from space. The satellite is designed to test and validate QKD using BB84 as well as BBM92 protocols.

Size
16U
Quantum Payload:
Weak coherent pulse source, entangled photon source, and single downlink
Telescope Aperture:
10cm