Craft Prospect is developing quantum and optical payloads for the €20 million OPS-SAT VOLT mission, a project that reflects accelerating investment in secure communications technologies. Senior Quantum Engineer Andrew Kelly presented the company’s work at both the 9th Annual ScyLight Conference and Newton Q 2026, discussing the challenges of moving quantum research into deployable space systems. Discussions at July’s SPACETIDE 2026 in Tokyo highlighted a growing focus on UK-Japan collaboration around space security, reinforcing a trend of nations exploring how quantum technologies support national capabilities.
OPS-SAT VOLT Mission: Deploying Quantum Payloads to Orbit
Craft Prospect’s work on the €20 million OPS-SAT VOLT mission extends beyond payload development to encompass practical engineering challenges in transitioning quantum research into deployable space systems. The presentation focused on ensuring the reliability of quantum systems when removed from a controlled environment, a critical step toward viable space-based quantum communication networks.
At the 9th Annual ScyLight Conference in Tenerife, Kelly participated in the Quantum Mission session to specifically address the CubeSat payloads under development for OPS-SAT VOLT, providing a platform for integrating emerging quantum capabilities into future space systems. Discussions throughout the event highlighted growing interest in quantum communications, cybersecurity, photonics and the infrastructure required to support future quantum networks.
The development of these CubeSat payloads is not occurring in isolation. Craft Prospect actively engaged with organizations across the European space sector at ESA’s Quantum Technology Workshop in July. Quantum Technology Lead Natalie Pearson and Sales Engineer Rory Ireland discussed emerging technologies and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
This collaborative approach extends to partnerships with Bright Ascension, demonstrated by their joint showcase of OPS-SAT VOLT progress at SmallSat 2026 in Salt Lake City in August, where Head of Commercial Hina Khan and AI Lead Lucy Donnell presented their work, Craft Prospect says. Interest in missions capable of demonstrating secure communications and optical networking in orbit is demonstrably high, as evidenced by the response to Craft Prospect’s presentation of The Quantum CubeSat vision at SmallSat 2026.
The company is responding to this demand by developing a new Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Space Network Emulator, designed to provide a practical environment for testing QKD technologies before actual deployment. This emulator aims to reduce risk and accelerate development cycles for industry, researchers and mission teams, allowing for thorough validation of quantum systems in a simulated space environment. The convergence of quantum technologies and space systems is becoming increasingly apparent, with optical communications, quantum-secure networking and intelligent autonomous platforms emerging as key enablers of the next generation of Smart Secure Space.
As momentum builds around secure communications and quantum networking, facilities enabling rapid experimentation and validation are becoming increasingly vital, and Craft Prospect’s QKD Space Network Emulator is positioned to fill that need, according to the company. The company continues to develop the capabilities needed to support more secure, resilient and intelligent space systems, recognizing that the transition from research to deployment requires a comprehensive approach encompassing both technological innovation and robust testing infrastructure.
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