(TheRedStoneRocket) The Space and Missile Defense Command operates research laboratories where engineers and scientists work on cutting-edge technologies for defense–including quantum technology.
Employees of SMDC’s Space and Missile Defense Technical Center develop new technologies that enable warfighter dominance. These research and development teams are led by Tom Webber, SMDC Technical Center director. Webber said the TC plays an important role, because modernization and innovation are vital to the Army, especially in terms of combat scenarios.
The TC is conducting quantum experiments, according to Travis Taylor, principal investigator, TC Quantum Entanglement and Space Technologies Lab. Taylor said the goals for the QuEST Lab are to become a world class quantum information sciences for small space research team, characterize the behavior of critical small satellite subsystems required for future photonic information sciences applications and create a future workforce for SMDC that has hands-on experience in the development of small satellite secure communications and quantum sensing technology.
“The end goal here is to use quantum key distribution as a test for measuring the performance of the photonic information components in the small satellite application in the space environment,” Taylor said.
NOTE: This is a robust, detailed and lengthy article. The author has also included discussion of projects such as the High Energy Laser, tactical warfighters in a small satellite, Precision Track and Search, or PTS, Ku-Band Interferometric Radar System.
US Space and Missile Defense Command’s Technical Center Conducting Quantum Experiments
