SBQuantum to Launch Quantum Sensor Into Space as Part of U.S. Government’s MagQuest Challenge
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Insider Brief SBQuantum is launching a quantum diamond magnetometer into space as part of the final phase of the NGA-led MagQuest challenge, aimed at improving monitoring of Earth’s magnetic field for navigation systems. The technology seeks to address aging satellite infrastructure and increasing magnetic field variability by providing continuous, high-precision data critical to the World Magnetic Model used in smartphones, aviation, and defense. The mission, conducted in partnership with Spire Global, positions quantum sensing as a potential alternative or complement to GPS in contested environments, with implications for defense, aerospace, and future navigation systems. Image: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency PRESS RELEASE — SBQuantum, the first company delivering quantum diamond magnetometers capable of providing accurate and timely data for navigation, defense and public safety applications, today announces that its sensor is scheduled for launch into space as part of the final phase of the MagQuest Challenge. Led by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the multi-million-dollar MagQuest competition seeks to identify and accelerate new technologies to monitor Earth’s magnetic field and ensure the ongoing accuracy of the World Magnetic Model (WMM). Countdown window is here.
The World Magnetic Model underpins navigation systems relied upon by billions of people worldwide. More than a billion smartphone users depend on it for mobile navigation apps, commercial airlines use it for flight routing, and militaries around the globe rely on it for mission-critical operations. The satellites currently collecting the data needed to produce the WMM are approaching end of life. Earth’s magnetic field is also shifting at an accelerating rate, making continuous, high-quality monitoring more important than ever. “Reaching the final phase of MagQuest is the most significant technical milestone in our company’s history,” said David Roy-Guay, Founder of SBQuantum. “Our technology has now been validated for the most demanding conditions imaginable, and we are proud to bring to market a device which could soon play a central role in how the world navigates on land, air and sea. Applications for this sensor go far beyond the WMM itself, from defense and navigation to resource exploration and public safety. We believe quantum sensing is the next frontier, and we are at the forefront of delivering on its potential.” SBQuantum’s diamond quantum magnetometer represents a significant leap forward in addressing the challenge of magnetic navigation. Current infrastructure for monitoring Earth’s magnetic field is large, expensive and provides only periodic snapshots of the field. SBQuantum’s device is roughly the size of a quart of milk and harnesses the principles of quantum physics to deliver continuous, highly detailed monitoring of the field and its movement with exceptional precision, even in the extreme conditions of space. Beyond improving the WMM, the data collected by SBQuantum’s sensor has significant implications for the future of navigation. Unlike GPS, magnetic navigation provides reliable and accurate readings across all environments, including those where satellite signals are denied, degraded or contested. This makes it a strategic priority for defense and aerospace sectors seeking resilient alternatives to GPS in an era of growing electronic warfare. In the company’s home country of Canada, quantum sensors have recently been recognized as one of ten “Key Sovereign Capabilities” in the country’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, underscoring the critical importance of the technology SBQuantum is developing. MagQuest is a seven-year open innovation challenge launched by the NGA in 2019 with a total prize pool exceeding $2.1 million across its first three phases alone. Three finalist teams entered Phase 4, each receiving several million dollars in awards including a $1.55 million Phase 4a incentive prize purse, to design, build, test and launch these devices. SBQuantum is competing as part of a partnership with Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR), a global provider of space-based data and analytics. Spire’s satellite infrastructure, ground stations and data processing capabilities complement SBQuantum’s magnetometer technology. The final phase of the challenge is expected to conclude in the fall of this year, with results informing the NGA’s acquisition strategy for WMM data collection capacity, expected to be operational by 2030. SBQuantum’s magnetometers are capable of a wide range of applications beyond navigation, including security screening around controlled-access facilities and a range of defense and intelligence functions that conventional sensors cannot perform.
Matt Swayne LinkedIn With a several-decades long background in journalism and communications, Matt Swayne has worked as a science communicator for an R1 university for more than 12 years, specializing in translating high tech and deep tech for the general audience. He has served as a writer, editor and analyst at The Quantum Insider since its inception. In addition to his service as a science communicator, Matt also develops courses to improve the media and communications skills of scientists and has taught courses. matt@thequantuminsider.com Share this article: