Canada-based start-up SBQuantum has announced it has struck contract agreements with leading government agencies in space exploration.
SBQuantum, developer of quantum diamond magnetometers, has agreed deals with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
The firm’s technology is centred on the notion that quantum-level imperfections in synthetic diamonds can be used to map magnetic fields.
It operates by exploiting nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres within synthetic diamonds, which are created by replacing a carbon atom in the diamond lattice with a nitrogen atom, leaving an adjacent vacancy.
This defect in the diamond structure exhibits unique quantum properties that are highly sensitive to magnetic fields. When green light is shone on the diamond, the NV centres emit red light. The intensity of this fluorescence changes in response to magnetic fields, allowing precise measurement of their strength and direction.
How will SBQuantum be working with the ESA?
Recognised as the first company able to develop quantum diamond magnetometers capable of providing accurate readings from space, SBQuantum will now be evaluating the viability of its technology in space for the ESA.
ESA opto-electronics system engineer, Eric Wille, previously highlighted this importance saying: “Quantum technology was defined as a strategic priority in the Agenda 2025 of ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, seen as offering new avenues to commercial success and technical leadership, and we are implementing this vision.”
He added: “In one form or another ESA has been working on quantum technologies for the last quarter of a century, steadily raising overall readiness levels and chalking up some major successes along the way, including participating in the then-world record for quantum communications.”
This was in essence an open call from the ESA to find and work with companies specialising in quantum diamond technology. From this, the ESA has launched a bidding opportunity to all extended EU member countries for the evaluation of the diamond technology for space missions. Resultingly, SBQuantum submitted a proposal and was selected as the contract recipient. For the start-up firm, this highlights clear leadership in the domain.
The ESA is reportedly particularly interested in the prospect of using quantum diamond magnetometers to monitor the Earth’s magnetic environment. At the same time, it could also help to track events such as magnetic storms, which can disrupt navigation and communication systems.
The ESA intends to deploy SBQuantum’s technology on satellites, capturing information that may enhance our understanding of geomagnetic phenomena and improve the resilience of satellite-based systems.
What will the contract with the CSA involve?
For the CSA project, SBQuantum had been collaborating with Cégep de Sherbrooke – a college near where the firm is headquartered in Quebec, experienced in weather balloon flights. Together, they integrated the magnetometer on balloons, ready to deploy on missions.
The first launch opportunity was with the Atmosfer from the Esrange Swedish launch site, reaching 40km altitude over a twelve-hour mission, demonstrating readiness for testing in extreme conditions.
SBQuantum is now looking at smaller balloon deployments to demonstrate magnetic navigation capabilities.
What do the contracts mean for SBQuantum and the wider industry?
Leaders within SBQuantum believe that the contracts highlight the leadership of SBQuantum fieldable diamond technologies, raising the firm's profile within these prestigious organisations.
David Roy-Guay, CEO and Co-founder of SBQuantum, commented: “Building on our successful MagQuest track with the National Geointelligence Agency and NASA to build the future World Magnetic Models for navigation, this confirms our ability to deliver on impactful quantum technologies in the field.”
Now, SBQuantum hopes that new opportunities within the space observation and navigation segments will arise, extending the reach of this emergent technology.
