Space: The Final Frontier
These are the voyages of SemiQon.
You may have seen “Optimizing Space Exploration – SemiQon Innovations Enhance Capabilities of Spaceborne Vehicles” and wondered, as I did, what the heck does this have anything to do with quantum? With the support of the European Space Agency’s BIC program (ESA), SemiQon is developing technologies optimized to support space exploration, not quantum exploration.
Well, I’m glad you asked, because I asked, and I’ve got answers for you.
Space is cold.
Dilution refrigerators are cold. In fact, we often point out that they’re colder than outer space. Let that sink in for a moment….
SemiQon released the first cryogenic CMOS transistor earlier this year, and it operates within the colder-than-space temperatures inside dilution refrigerators. This means that it can also operate in not-as-cold-as-quantum space temperatures.
But it won’t merely operate in such temperatures. Its ultra-low heat dissipation can conserve power, extend battery life up to 50%, and consequently extend the mission range of spaceborne vehicles, especially in deep space.
One key takeaway, therefore, is that electronics developed for quantum’s cryogenic environments can have applications in space.
Space is lucrative.
As quantum companies (not all) have struggled to generate revenue, some have shifted toward AI, some have started selling clothing, and some… quite frankly, I don’t know how they’re getting by.
Space provides an accessible, near-term lucrative market for SemiQon’s technology. Entering a new market provides access to a new pool of potential users, in this case: telescopes (bolometer, infrared, x-ray), 5G telecommunications digital beam forming, and Lunar/Mars exploration. It grants access to a broader range of technical expertise, equity-free funding, training, and networks.
A second key takeaway, therefore, is that the space sector can provide opportunities for additional revenue and investment beyond the better-known examples of quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum networks, and quantum sensing.
Conclusion
More customers. More funding.
This ties back into quantum. The generation of near-term revenue with existing technology may appeal to investors who are looking to minimize risk and get some returns quickly. SemiQon’s plan is to further develop its quantum technologies, which may further benefit space technologies, and then they’ll hopefully circle back again.
So, what the heck does space have to do with quantum? It may help companies like SemiQon live long and prosper.
Filed under: Quantum Technologies • Space Tech • Cryogenics • Quantum Hardware • Quantum Business • Emerging Tech • Deep Tech
Image generated by an AI model provided by Microsoft Copilot.