Axiom and Boeing Just Signed On to Help the DOE Build the Unhackable Universe

22nd Jan 2025
Axiom and Boeing Just Signed On to Help the DOE Build the Unhackable Universe

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions has announced new signatories for their Quantum in Space Collaboration (QSC). In a bid to scale and innovate new quantum technologies, the DOE announced the QSC back in November 2023. The likes of Infleqtion, Accenture, and Nebula were some of the first organisations to join. And now, Boeing and Axiom Space – among others – have come onboard to bolster DOE’s quantum roster. 

Adding the likes of Boeing & Axiom to the quantum mix

On 17 January, 2025, the DOE announced the new names who have signed onto the collaborative effort. That being, Boeing, Axiom Space, USRA, Vescent, and Qrypt. They also highlighted that Blue Origin is currently reviewing their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signalling further growth could be on the horizon. 

With a growing number of space organisations seemingly prepared to allocate resources to the mission, the DOE said QSC marks a commitment to: “disruptive quantum technologies and building a space economy.”

“Axiom Space is excited to collaborate with the U.S. government and industry in developing the foundations for quantum communications and networking in space. This collaboration aligns with Axiom Space’s work to develop secure orbital data centers and commercial space station infrastructure,” remarked Jason Aspiotis, Axiom Space’s Global Director of In-Space Data & Security. 

Echoing Aspiotis comments, Qrypt said: “[we are] excited to expand our collaboration with DOE into the space domain by utilising our quantum solutions developed in partnership with the National Labs. The challenge of securing assets in orbit is crucial, especially as space communications and data processing continue to grow rapidly.”

What is the Quantum in Space Collaboration?

In a 2023 statement, the DOE said the cohort of organisations, a mix of public and private companies, aims to “harness cutting-edge quantum technologies”. Ultimately, the overall goal is to enhance national security, improve energy efficiency, uphold economic profitability, and underpin sustainability targets. In what the DOE calls “the emergent space economy”, the consortium will collaborate on key quantum technologies including: 

  • Quantum computing 
  • Secure, encrypted and impenetrable communications 
  • Quantum sensing

What the collaboration aims to achieve

This public and private sector collaboration will see all involved leverage their technological portfolio and expertise in the quantum space. Firstly, with the new signatories, the DOE aims to deploy a mesh network of data centres that would be unhackable and boost cyber security.

Secondly, the partnership aims to use nuclear power to augment quantum sensing. Thirdly, the DOE said they will explore how quantum machinery could be manufactured in “orbital environments”. Finally, the consortium aims to develop a secure quantum communications line in space. 

The DOE said: “The Parties seek to collaborate on quantum and other space-related activities to accelerate commercialisation and enable new capabilities that further DOE, DOD, and NASA mission objectives in the next 5 to 10 years.”

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