Climate and Earth science
Potentially improve observation of water mass, ice, oceans and subsurface change through new measurement modes.
AIQSAT project · Technology
Quantum Sensing & Photonic Payloads
Atomic clocks, cold-atom sensors and entangled photon sources
We are developing this technology as part of an intelligent, quantum-secure satellite network for stable data exchange between orbit and Earth.
Quantum sensing
What we are developing
Quantum sensors measure time, gravity and magnetic fields with an accuracy classical instruments cannot reach. Combined with AI-based signal processing, they turn faint physical effects into usable geophysical, navigational and situational data.
Optical and atomic clocks
Ultra-stable timing references for navigation, precise orbit determination and synchronising distributed sensor networks.
Cold-atom interferometry
Quantum gravimetry and accelerometry for gravity field mapping, subsurface water monitoring and GNSS-free inertial navigation.
Entangled photon sources
Compact, space-qualified sources and single-photon detection chains that feed both sensing and quantum communication payloads.
AI-based signal recovery
Machine learning that separates weak quantum signals from noise, calibrates drift and fuses sensor streams into calibrated products.
Technology stack
- Optical / atomic clock references
- Cold-atom interferometers (gravimetry, inertial)
- SPDC entangled photon sources
- Quantum magnetometry (NV centres, SQUID)
The opportunity
Move intelligence and trust closer to the source
Climate monitoring, navigation and geophysical intelligence increasingly require measurements beyond the stability of classical sensors. In orbit, weak signals, drift and limited calibration opportunities make those measurements especially difficult to turn into reliable products.
AIQSAT is investigating quantum sensing payloads coupled with onboard AI that can calibrate, denoise and fuse observations closer to the instrument. The goal is to translate laboratory sensitivity into dependable orbital information.
System architecture
A connected path from orbital signal to trusted decision
The project is designed as a modular system. Each layer can create value independently, while the complete architecture enables a secure, intelligent data network across orbit and Earth.
- 1Prepare
Stabilise the quantum system
Thermal, optical and timing control maintain the conditions required by atomic and photonic instruments.
- 2Measure
Capture weak physical effects
Quantum states reveal time, acceleration, gravity or magnetic signatures with high sensitivity.
- 3Recover
Separate signal from noise
Physics-informed AI estimates drift, rejects artefacts and fuses supporting spacecraft data.
- 4Deliver
Create calibrated products
Traceable processing turns experimental measurements into usable mission information.
Strategic value
Built around the needs of future operators
AIQSAT is being shaped for organisations that need resilient infrastructure, faster access to useful information and a security model designed for the quantum era.
Navigation operators
Explore resilient timing and inertial references for environments where satellite navigation is degraded or unavailable.
Scientific institutions
Create a flight path for advanced instruments and shared datasets without building an entire mission stack.
Deep-tech investors
Support a platform connecting differentiated quantum hardware to scalable data and analytics services.
Development path
A staged route from validation to deployment
The roadmap is structured to retire technical risk early, prove interoperability and create clear decision points for partners and capital providers.
Laboratory
Instrument and AI co-design
Characterise signal sources, noise and calibration needs while training models on physics-grounded data.
Environment
Flight-condition validation
Test thermal, vibration, vacuum, radiation and timing behaviour in an integrated payload assembly.
Pathfinder
Orbital measurement campaign
Collect reference data, compare with established sources and quantify stability over time.
Service
Operational data products
Standardise payload modules and processing chains around validated customer applications.
Investment case
An infrastructure opportunity at the intersection of three markets
The project combines differentiated engineering, reusable intellectual property and a platform approach intended to support multiple missions, customers and commercial models.
Hardware-data flywheel
Instrument knowledge and accumulated calibration data can reinforce model quality and future payload design.
Shared payload foundation
Core timing, optics and AI infrastructure may support multiple sensing and communications applications.
Premium information products
Potential value can develop from payload access, mission programmes and specialised recurring datasets.
Build the next layer with us
A more efficient, resilient and secure future for orbital data.
We invite research groups, instrument suppliers, application owners and patient capital to help select and validate the strongest first mission.
