SHERBROOKE, Canada (August 20, 2024) – SBQuantum, the first company developing quantum diamond magnetometers capable of providing accurate readings from space, today announces a pair of new contracts with leading government agencies in space exploration.
First, the company has been contracted by the European Space Agency (ESA) to evaluate the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer technology in space. ESA is assessing both the reliability and accuracy of SBQuantum’s sensor technology, as well as how these sensors could be deployed on a satellite in space for a range of applications. The contract focuses on applications enriching human understanding of the Earth and its magnetic environment. For instance, satellite-based magnetometers can be useful in monitoring magnetic storms, which can disrupt navigation and communications here on Earth.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has also selected SBQuantum, and will be testing the company’s magnetometer at an altitude of 40km as part of its STRATOS Program. The testing will demonstrate the instrument’s ability to collect precise data in temperatures as low as -60 Celsius (-76 Fahrenheit) and low-pressure environments, while also being exposed to radiation. Furthermore, this project will include a demonstration of magnetic field-based positioning (whose signal cannot be jammed) using a quantum diamond magnetometer, as opposed to relying on the heavy infrastructure of traditional GPS.
“These contracts are further evidence of the tremendous potential of the quantum diamond magnetometers we are commercializing at SBQuantum. Years of investment, research and development are now beginning to pay off, as leading organizations in space exploration are acknowledging that our hardware has the potential to provide an important advantage over existing technologies. Furthermore, these sensors can be deployed for a range of applications, and therefore provide significant value to the user at a fraction of the cost of the legacy technologies currently in use. We’d like to thank both ESA and the CSA for their confidence in us, and we look forward to cultivating a long and fruitful relationship with both of these prestigious organizations” said David Roy-Guay, CEO and Cofounder of SBQuantum.
“The technology is promising, and we are optimistic that its advantages can be realized in space as well.” added Aaron Strangfeld, Quantum Engineer at ESA.
These contracts build the company’s existing momentum from the MagQuest Challenge, which is organized by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Defence, in partnership with the NASA Tournament Lab. SBQuantum is currently a finalist in that challenge, which will see its quantum magnetometer sent into space for testing. The results of this testing will determine if this device is suitable to be used for mapping and monitoring the earth’s magnetic field moving forward.
Both the new contracts are being carried out over the summer. Confirming the durability and accuracy of these devices will then also pave the way for additional space-based applications ranging from attitude control and guiding rovers on the surface of other planets, to mapping minerals under the surface of the moon and an array of other possibilities. The sensors can easily be mounted on small cube
satellites and launched into orbit at a nominal cost, making precise, detailed data about the earth’s magnetics and geophysics easily accessible to those stakeholders who require it for planning operations, mapping logistics or other relevant applications.
About SBQuantum
Founded and based in the quantum technology hub of Sherbrooke, Canada, SBQuantum is producing leading edge hardware in the field of quantum sensing, combined with advanced interpretation and compensation algorithms to bring magnetics to new heights. SBQ has obtained significant sums of non-dilutive financing to help propel it forward on its mission to bring to market the power of advanced sensors leveraging quantum effects. Its quantum magnetometer has already been tested at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as part of NASA Tournament Lab. Beyond testing its equipment in space via the MagQuest Challenge and through its contract with ESA, the company also intends to bring its miniaturized sensors to unmanned vehicles and a range of other deployment scenarios today’s sensors cannot perform. For additional information, visit sbquantum.com.
Disclaimer – the views expressed may not be a direct reflection of the official position of the European Space Agency.
