Australia’s Q-CTRL and Fleet Pair Off to Develop Quantum Sensing Tech for Space Exploration

(ZDNet) Q-CTRL has teamed up with Fleet Space Technologies to develop quantum sensing and navigation technologies for space exploration.
The two Australian startups have paired off as a result of their involvement in the Seven Sisters space industry consortium, which was founded by Fleet.
The consortium comprises Australian firms and academic institutions focused on developing advanced exploration technologies for Earth, the Moon, and Mars.
South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall has thrown his support behind the initiative. “This groundbreaking application of autonomous quantum sensors in space exploration will be invaluable in leveraging extraterrestrial resources to establish permanent human bases on the Moon, Mars and beyond,” he said. “It demonstrates Australia’s growing global leadership in both the quantum and space industries, establishing a solid foundation for future economic growth.”
Q-CTRL, a commercial spinoff from the University of Sydney, will work alongside the nanosatellite startup on applications including remote detection of liquid water and mineral deposits through quantum-based gravity detection and magnetic field sensors.
Q-CTRL plans to leverage its work with the space consortium to offer new commercial applications of geospatial intelligence for defence, finance, and climate change mitigation.