DragonSat
Defence Quantum
A defence-focused PocketQube mission designed to mature and validate secure, space-based quantum communications capabilities for national security applications.
DragonSat advances defence-grade quantum communications by validating critical quantum optics subsystems in orbit. Built on a 1.5P PocketQube platform, the mission characterises quantum state stability, photon integrity, and system resilience under real orbital conditions — directly supporting trusted-node quantum satellite architectures for defence and government users.
Defence quantum communications
A pioneering PocketQube mission advancing secure, space-based quantum communications for national security and defence applications.
Quantum validation
DragonSat validates quantum optics subsystems in real orbital conditions to assess performance well beyond the laboratory.
Photon integrity & state stability
The mission characterises quantum state stability and photon integrity to support reliable, secure data transmission.
Enabling secure networks
Flight results directly inform defence-grade quantum satellite architectures and trusted-node communications networks.
A quantum laboratory in a PocketQube
The payload prepares, transmits, and measures quantum states with high precision within PocketQube constraints.
Onboard processing supports secure data handling and real-time performance assessment, while a resilient power subsystem ensures continuous operation. Results directly inform the design of sovereign, trusted-node quantum systems for secure national communications infrastructure.
Engineered for sustained operations
DragonSat carries a mission-critical power subsystem built for secure, sustained operation.
Triple-junction GaAs panels reach ~30% efficiency generating ~1 W, while a 1000 mAh Li-Po/Li-Ion battery (~3.7 Wh) provides reliable storage. The PDU delivers regulated 3.3 V and 5 V rails, and integrated MPPT optimises energy harvesting for long-duration, contested-environment operations.
A PocketQube engineered for the future
DragonSat unites defence innovators, research institutions, and strategic partners to push the boundaries of secure, space-based quantum communications. Built for experiments in entanglement and coherence within microgravity, it generates the insights that advance encrypted quantum networks — laying the foundation for next-generation space-based communications that enhance national security and strategic advantage.
Fault-tolerant by design
DragonSat runs on an ARM Cortex-M4 / RISC-V microcontroller paired with an RTOS, supporting I²C, SPI, UART and GPIO for secure control. Watchdog timers and reset mechanisms maintain uninterrupted operation in the harsh, contested conditions of space.
Validating secure quantum technologies for the next generation of defence space networks
DragonSat supports the future of secure, defence-grade communications by reducing technical risk and advancing resilient quantum communication capabilities for government and defence applications.
Proudly working with
