SSTL + QuantX Labs partner to propel Australian quantum clock technology into space

QuantX Labs recently joined forces with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) through Airbus Australia, to bolster their space knowledge and skillsets, a collaboration set to propel Australian quantum technology into space.

QuantX Labs quantum advancements to new heights through its KAIROS mission, which culminates in the launch into LEO and demo a nexgen optical atomic clock that promises to advance space-based, PNT (position, navigation and timing) capabilities.

QuantX Labs’ **KAIROS Mission** is the company’s space- based segment to provide an alternate, sovereign, PNT solution. The **KAIROS Mission** provides reliable, protected and precise timing signals to critical systems on the Earth and in Deep-Space. Encrypted timing signals assure integrity of the timing and position information.

The optical atomic clock, which was initially developed at the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing at the University of Adelaide and supported by funding from the SmartSat CRC, will now undergo crucial developments to become space-ready. This evolution will be guided by the expertise of SSTL’s proficient system engineering team and propelled by the Australian Space Agency‘s Moon to Mars Demonstrator program.

Photo from left to right: Prof. Andre Luiten, Managing Director and Co-Founder QuantX Labs, Clive Oates, Head of SSTL Australia, Enrico Palermo, Head of Australian Space Agency and A/Prof Martin O’Connor General Manager QuantX Labs.

A noteworthy benefit of this partnership is SSTL’s role as a provider of space systems engineering as well as a conduit to uplift the skill set of QuantX Labs engineering team, advancing Australia’s space technology and advancing the skills base in the space sector. QuantX Labs quantum expertise with SSTL’s deep space heritage in previous programs with European Space Agency (ESA) and involvement in NASA’s GNSS program, will form the foundations required to instigate groundbreaking advancements in PNT services for Australia.

The culmination of this collaborative effort is slated for early 2026, when QuantX Labs will launch and demonstrate its precision timing technology in low Earth orbit. A rigorous journey of testing and preliminary launches is planned over the coming years to validate the reliability and performance of the innovative quantum technologies in the space environment.

“QuantX Labs is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), a global leader in small satellite technology and systems engineering consulting. This collaboration adds a crucial layer of expertise to our KAIROS mission, providing confidence that we will deliver robust engineering solutions and unparalleled reliability as we venture into space.” — Professor Andre Luiten, Managing Director of QuantX Labs

“SSTL is delighted to be collaborating with QuantX Labs, bringing our world-renowned space engineering expertise to support QuantX Labs next-generation optical atomic clock and the KARIOS mission.” — Clive Oates, Head of SSTL, Australia

“The Australian Government has identified quantum as a critical technology in the national interest. QuantX Labs’ quantum clock technology has the potential to transform the positioning, navigation, and timing services that underpin our daily lives, and we’re proud to provide support through the Australian Government’s Demonstrator Program. By drawing on SSTL’s extensive space engineering expertise to help get its quantum clock into orbit, QuantX Labs will be able to start developing valuable space heritage.” — Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency