A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has launched the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B space plane on its OTV-8 mission, which includes a demonstration of a quantum inertial sensor. The experiment is a joint effort between the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO), with a quantum inertial sensor provided by Honeywell and Vector Atomic. The launch, on August 21, 2025, marks a strategic benchmark in the development of quantum sensing for the Department of Defense (DoD) and a series of operationally relevant quantum sensing demonstrations.
The quantum inertial sensor utilizes a technique called atom interferometry, where atoms are cooled to near absolute zero and manipulated with lasers. By splitting atoms into a superposition state and observing the resulting interference pattern, the system can detect changes in motion, such as rotations or accelerations, with high precision. Unlike traditional Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), which can accumulate errors and suffer from drift, the quantum sensor uses atoms that are identical and stable, offering a more reliable navigation method that is not prone to external interference. The experiment marks the first time that a quantum inertial navigation system of this type will be tested in space.
This demonstration aims to provide robust navigation capabilities for environments where GPS is either compromised or unavailable, including deep space beyond Earth’s orbit and areas with GPS-denial. The implications extend to both military and civilian applications, including civil space exploration (e.g., missions to the Moon and Mars) and navigation for submarines and airplanes. The launch also includes a demonstration of laser communication technology, which is intended to increase data transfer rates and enhance the security of communications. The DIU and the AFRCO partnered to deliver this first strategic grade quantum inertial sensor into space.
Read more about this launch in Spaceflight Now here, from the Defense Innovation Unit here, and from The Daily Galaxy here.
August 22, 2025
