Thales Alenia Space and SpeQtral Partner to Demonstrate Global Quantum Communication Links

Thales Alenia Space and SpeQtral Partner to Demonstrate Global Quantum Communication Links

(IN BRIEF) Thales Alenia Space and SpeQtral will collaborate on joint space-to-Earth quantum communication trials. SpeQtral’s upcoming satellites will transmit entangled photons to a Thales Alenia Space–operated ground station, enabling cross-analysis of signal performance under varying environmental conditions. The initiative aims to demonstrate interoperable quantum links and pave the way for a global quantum internet. Future phases include Thales Alenia Space’s QINSAT satellite distributing entangled photons to SpeQtral stations. Both companies leverage decades of quantum and aerospace expertise to build secure, resilient quantum networks.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 4-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales Alenia Space and SpeQtral have formalized a new collaboration to advance space-to-Earth quantum communications. Signed at the Paris Air Show 2025, the agreement builds on their 2022 partnership and establishes a framework for joint experiments between SpeQtral’s forthcoming quantum satellites and Thales Alenia Space’s first dedicated quantum ground station in Provence.

Quantum networks promise to interconnect quantum computers and sensors, enhancing performance, resilience, and security against quantum-enabled cyberattacks. Satellites are essential to bridge vast distances, laying the groundwork for a continent-spanning quantum internet.

Under the agreement, SpeQtral will operate its demonstrator satellites—engineered to transmit entangled photons to Earth—while sharing precise pointing data and time-stamped measurements. Thales Alenia Space will run the ground station, equipped with environmental sensors to correlate local conditions with signal quality. Together, they will validate the technical foundations for interoperable quantum links and identify methods to boost reliability.

Looking ahead, Thales Alenia Space intends to launch its QINSAT satellite by 2030 to dispatch entangled photon pairs to ground stations, potentially including those operated by SpeQtral, furthering a two-way experimental partnership.

Leveraging over 25 years of quantum R&D within the Thales Group, Thales Alenia Space combines satellite telecommunications and optical terminal expertise to forge an integrated space–ground quantum communication ecosystem. SpeQtral contributes its specialized focus on secure quantum payloads and network coordination.

“This partnership marks a major step in constructing a robust, global quantum infrastructure,” said Christophe Valorge, CTO at Thales Alenia Space. “By aligning our complementary capabilities, we can systematically experiment, learn, and scale quantum communications.”

Dr. Robert Bedington, SpeQtral’s CTO and Co-founder, added: “Interoperability is critical for the future quantum internet. Our shared experiments with Thales Alenia Space will help prove that satellite and ground systems can seamlessly work together.”

About THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and has more than 8,100 employees in 7 countries with 15 sites in Europe.

About SPEQTRAL

SpeQtral is a pioneer in quantum communications, with a vision to build and deploy global quantum networks. SpeQtral develops quantum-secure products and services designed to protect sovereign and enterprise telecommunication networks against classical, as well as future quantum-based cyber-attacks on cryptography. Combining both terrestrial and space-based solutions, SpeQtral aims to secure the world’s networks against the threats posed by the imminent quantum revolution and drive innovation in quantum communications that will serve as the building blocks for the future quantum internet.

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SOURCE: Thales