Space mission launch advances UK standing in quantum communications

Posted on Tuesday 31 March 2026

The “Satellite Platform for Optical Quantum Communications” (SPOQC) mission satellite will provide the critical data needed to build ultra-secure global quantum networks.

The SPOQC satellite successfully launched on Monday 30 March aboard a SpaceX Transporter-16 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, to a Low Earth Orbit at a latitude of 500km. After the “commissioning” phase, the satellite will soon begin transmitting quantum signals to Earth.

Once operational, SPOQC will transmit signals to the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Later this year, it will connect with the York Optical Ground Station (YOGS), based at the Institute for Safe Autonomy.

In a world-first for space-based quantum tech, the mission carries two distinct types of "quantum payloads" to test different operational concepts.  

One of the payloads developed by Dr Rupesh Kumar and team at the University of York uses light signals similar to traditional telecom but at a quantum level.  The other payload developed by the University of Bristol uses individual light particles- photons, to carry data.

The configuration of two payloads in the SQPOQ satellite allows researchers to switch between two established but technically distinct communication methods, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes under varying Earth’s atmospheric and satellite orbital conditions. 

By scaling these quantum technologies down to approximately the size of a microwave oven, the mission will demonstrate a critical proof-of-concept for future, compact, cost-efficient quantum-satellite communications, paving the way for future commercialisation of space-based quantum networks.

The project has come out of research and development efforts led by the preceding Quantum Communications Hub, led by the University of York and currently managed by  the IQN Hub - both funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The mission brings together five UK research institutions working to strengthen the UK’s leadership in space-based quantum communications, University of York, University of Bristol, Strathclyde University, Heriott-Watt University, alongside the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s RAL Space. 

Securing global quantum communication networks 

Quantum secure communications are a priority of the UK’s National Quantum Strategy, which identifies quantum technologies as essential for strengthening national resilience, digital infrastructure and long-term technological competitiveness. 

As quantum computers grow more powerful, traditional encryption methods will become increasingly vulnerable. Quantum secure communications offer a future proofed alternative, enabling ultra secure, unhackable, data transfer between legitimate users.

Terrestrial fibre networks already support quantum communication links at the regional and national scales, including in the UK (via the UK’s Quantum Network (UKQN)). However, long intercontinental distances impose practical limitations.

Satellite based systems provide the only practical route to a resilient international communication infrastructure at global scale 

Dr Rupesh Kumar, lecturer in experimental quantum communications at the University of York, said: “The payload developed by the York team paves the way for testing novel quantum communication protocols in the future missions. I am particularly excited to see SPOQC interact with  our own York Optical Ground Station (YOGS)  and other OGSs worldwide, demonstrating the power of collaboration in space based quantum research ”

Professor Tim Spiller from the University of York said: “As Director of the preceding Quantum Communications Hub, it is very pleasing to see six years of R&D by that Hub team to develop SPOQC and HOGS finally be rewarded with the launch of SPOQC. This will add a very important space link to the UK’s expanding quantum networking capability. I look forward to the first quantum demonstrations from SPOQC and HOGS later this year.”

Dr Ana MacIntosh, Co-director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy, said: “The Institute for Safe autonomy was created specifically to enable this kind of critical collaboration.  By hosting the York Optical Ground Station, we are creating a unique environment where space-based quantum technology can be safely tested and eventually scaled for commercial use. This mission demonstrates how the UK is leading the charge in making the next generation of global communications both resilient and secure.”  

Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director of EPSRC’s Strategy Directorate, said: “The SPOQC mission is a powerful example of how UK research leadership is shaping the future of secure global communications. By uniting world class expertise across our quantum research hubs, we’re demonstrating not only scientific excellence but real technological ambition. This launch marks a major step toward quantum-secure networks that will help safeguard the UK’s digital infrastructure for decades to come.”