NASA is using quantum research to advance space communications through projects such as Goddard Space Flight Center’s Quantum Laboratory and Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s PEACOQ detector.

NASA is celebrating World Quantum Day by highlighting various quantum research projects around the country. The agency’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program uses quantum research to improve space communication capabilities. Notable projects include Goddard Space Flight Center’s Quantum Laboratory focused on quantum entanglement experiments, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Advanced Performance Array for Optical Quantum Counting (PEACOQ) detector, which enables precise counting of single photons. In addition, the Glenn Research Center is working on space-based quantum networks, and the Ames Research Center’s Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL) is evaluating the potential of NASA’s quantum computers for space exploration.

Today, NASA celebrates World Quantum Day and ongoing research across the country, from quantum detector to trainee-led experiments. The agency’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program Office is using this quantum research to improve the way NASA communicates as the agency continues to explore space.

“SCaN is working on quantum experiments, simulations and more to help build the future of space communications,” said Badri Younes, NASA’s deputy director of the SCaN program. “Our technological research and development will enable NASA to conduct research more safely than ever before.”

Goddard Space Flight Center Quantum Laboratory

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland is using its new Quantum Laboratory to conduct experiments with quantum communication.

The head of the lab is Harry Shaw, head of the quantum communications and computing division. He set up a quantum lab, described the experiments, and found suitable suppliers of commercial equipment. Shaw paves the way for quantum communication services by conducting experiments involving quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where the individual quantum states of each of a pair of particles are uncertain until measured, and the outcome is determined by the act of measurement. . measuring the other even if they are separated by great distances.

The head of the lab is Harry Shaw, head of the quantum communications and computing division. He set up a quantum lab, described the experiments, and found suitable suppliers of commercial equipment. Shaw paves the way for quantum communication services by conducting experiments involving quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where the individual quantum states of each of a pair of particles are uncertain until measured, and the outcome is determined by the act of measurement. . measuring the other even if they are separated by great distances.

Goddard Quantum Lab consists of both full-time staff and interns participating in the SCaN Internship Project (SIP). Shaw has guided many students working on space communication technologies as a mentor for over 20 years. It develops partnerships with universities and other government agencies to find interns pursuing advanced master’s and doctoral degrees that intersect with quantum communication and invites them to intern in the laboratory.