SpeQtral, Singapore’s leading quantum communications company, and the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) RAL Space have successfully launched and deployed the SpeQtre 12U CubeSat aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-15 mission on November 28th, 2025. The spacecraft contains SpeQtral’s space-qualified entangled photon pair source and detector modules, operating from a sun-synchronous orbit. This Singapore-UK collaboration demonstrates a significant milestone in advancing space-based quantum communications technology by validating complex quantum hardware within a CubeSat platform—roughly the size of a microwave oven—with the aim of reducing costs and improving accessibility for future missions.
SpeQtre Satellite Launch and Deployment
The SpeQtre satellite, a 12U CubeSat, successfully launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-15 mission on November 28th, 2025. This Singapore-UK collaboration deployed SpeQtral’s space-qualified entangled photon pair source and detector modules into sun-synchronous orbit. The mission represents a significant step for quantum communications technology, aiming to demonstrate space-to-ground quantum communication and reduce costs through a smaller satellite format – roughly the size of a microwave oven.
Following deployment, SpeQtre is undergoing commissioning, a multi-stage process involving activation and testing of all spacecraft subsystems. SpeQtral and RAL Space will then focus on commissioning their respective quantum payload and optical system. Experiments, beginning in early 2026, will initially use ground stations at the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore and RAL Space’s Chilbolton Observatory in the UK to demonstrate secured communications and inform future satellite development.
This mission addresses critical cybersecurity needs, as advancing quantum computing threatens conventional encryption. Space-based quantum communications, unlike distance-limited fibre networks, offer quantum-secure communications across vast distances without intermediary nodes. The collaboration leverages Singapore’s quantum expertise and the UK’s space engineering capabilities, supported by initiatives like the Space Technology Development Programme and the National Quantum Technologies Programme.
Advanced Quantum Communications Technology
The SpeQtre satellite is a 12U CubeSat designed to demonstrate advanced quantum communications technology from space. Launched November 28, 2025, it carries SpeQtral’s space-qualified entangled photon pair source and detector modules. This mission addresses the growing need for secure communications as quantum computing advances threaten current encryption methods. By utilizing a smaller, more cost-effective satellite, SpeQtre aims to make quantum communication accessible for future missions and potentially accelerate deployment of commercial quantum constellations.
SpeQtre will begin quantum communications experiments in early 2026, initially working with ground stations at the Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore and RAL Space’s Chilbolton Observatory in the UK. These experiments will demonstrate secured communications between the two sites and provide data to inform the development of future commercial quantum communication satellites. Unlike distance-limited fiber networks, satellite-based quantum communication offers a solution for vast distances without needing intermediary nodes.
This mission is a collaborative effort between Singapore and the UK, leveraging SpeQtral’s quantum expertise and RAL Space’s space engineering capabilities. It’s part of bilateral initiatives designed to strengthen technological cooperation. Success will demonstrate a viable, cost-effective approach to quantum communications, establishing precedents for international collaboration in quantum technologies and space-based security, and addressing critical cybersecurity challenges.
Singapore-UK Partnership and Collaboration
The SpeQtre satellite launch marks a significant milestone in the Singapore-UK partnership, strengthening technological cooperation between the two nations. This collaboration stems from bilateral initiatives under the Space Technology Development Programme (Singapore’s OSTIn) and the National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKRI). Leveraging SpeQtral’s quantum expertise and RAL Space’s space engineering capabilities, the mission aims to demonstrate space-based quantum communications and advance critical technologies for future cybersecurity needs.
SpeQtre, a 12U CubeSat, carries advanced quantum hardware designed by SpeQtral to explore secure communications. Experts from RAL Space developed the instrument to beam quantum signals to Earth and assembled the satellite hardware. Following deployment on November 28, 2025, commissioning is underway, with quantum communications experiments planned to begin in early 2026, initially between ground stations in Singapore and the UK. This phased approach ensures thorough validation of the technology.
This collaboration addresses the growing need for quantum-secure communications as quantum computing advances threaten conventional encryption. Unlike distance-limited fiber networks, satellite-based quantum systems offer secure communications across vast distances. Success with SpeQtre demonstrates the viability of cost-effective, small-satellite approaches to quantum communications, potentially accelerating commercial deployment and establishing precedents for international cooperation in space-based security.
The launch of SpeQtre represents a significant milestone in the Singapore-UK collaboration on space technologies, showcasing Singapore’s leadership in space-based quantum communications. Through the Space Technology Development Programme, OSTIn has supported SpeQtral’s developments in quantum key distribution technologies, which is vital to ensure quantum-secure communications in an increasingly interconnected world.
Mr. Jonathan Hung, Executive Director of Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn)
Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges
Space-based quantum communications, as demonstrated by the SpeQtre satellite, address critical emerging cybersecurity needs. With the advancement of quantum computing threatening current encryption methods, SpeQtre offers a solution by providing quantum-secure communications over vast distances—something terrestrial fiber networks cannot achieve without trusted repeaters. This mission supports broader international efforts like ESA’s INT-UQKD and Q-DESIGN, recognizing quantum communications as vital for future security.
The SpeQtre mission, a 12U CubeSat, aims to reduce costs and improve accessibility for future quantum communication missions. It will begin with validating quantum components and progress towards sophisticated protocols, starting experiments in early 2026 with ground stations in Singapore and the UK. Data collected will demonstrate secured communications and inform the development of commercial quantum communications satellites—crucial for protecting governments, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure.
SpeQtre represents a Singapore-UK collaboration, leveraging SpeQtral’s quantum expertise and RAL Space’s space engineering capabilities. This partnership is part of initiatives to strengthen technological cooperation between the two nations and advance critical technologies. Success in this mission will demonstrate a cost-effective, small-satellite approach to quantum communications, potentially accelerating the deployment of commercial constellations and establishing precedents for international cooperation.
