Boeing Partners with HRL Laboratories to Demonstrate Quantum Entanglement Swapping in Space

HRL Laboratories, a world leader in solid-state quantum technologies, is excited to partner with Boeing on designing and manufacturing the quantum communication payload for the Q4S satellite. Set to launch in 2026, this mission aims to demonstrate four-photon quantum entanglement swapping in space.

MALIBU, Calif. September 10, 2024— Today, Boeing announced the scheduled 2026 launch of a satellite called Q4S which plans to demonstrate four-photon quantum entanglement swapping in space with HRL Laboratories, LLC, providing significant support for this first-of-its-kind space mission.

As a world leader in developing solid-state quantum technologies, HRL is excited to partner with Boeing on the quantum communication payload design and manufacturing for Q4S. Already, the companies have successfully conducted benchtop exercises, providing a proof of concept for how the experiment is expected to operate in space.

Quantum entanglement distribution across a network enables secure communication and networked quantum computers or sensors. HRL is helping Boeing prove that it’s possible in space with Q4S, a self-contained demonstration of swapping. Entanglement swapping is an operation on qubits (optical qubits in this scenario) that can be used to entangle two non-connected nodes to distribute entanglement within the network.

Entanglement swapping:

• Underpins the technology required for quantum repeaters to enable a wide quantum network.
• Establishes the core capability of quantum communication by allowing networks to expand beyond simple point-to-point communication.
• Enables “unhackable” communication across vast distances, surpassing the security capabilities of today’s broadband internet.

Performing this test in space, which requires four indistinguishable photons, involves overcoming significant technical hurdles. Because quantum states are delicate, maintaining entanglement through environmental factors, like temperature and radiation, presents added layers of complexity.

• The process requires precision engineering and first-of-its-kind, patent-pending technology to stabilize and sustain these states in a way that was previously thought to be impractical, if not impossible.

With a long history of leadership in quantum science innovation, HRL has already made significant advancements in laboratory environments and is poised to work closely with Boeing to improve technical designs and progress towards the launch in 2026.

• The year-long Q4S demonstration involves two entangled-photon pairs housed within the space vehicle.
• The indistinguishability of the photons pairs are maintained by precision optics, and the appropriate photons are entangled for entanglement swapping.
• Onboard single-photon-sensitive detectors measure the photons to ensure the swap has taken place, with frequent data downlinks for program scientists to analyze.

“For decades, the quantum scientific community has hypothesized that a global quantum network would only be possible with integration of a space-based network,” said Rob Vasquez, CEO of HRL. “We are honored to partner with Boeing on this historic venture to test that hypothesis and advance the theory toward real-life use.”

About Boeing:
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Boeing Media Inquiries: Zeyad Maasarani, +1-562-400-5533, Zeyad.maasarani@boeing.com

HRL Laboratories, LLC, California (hrl.com) pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive,aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL is a source of innovations that advance the state of the art in profound and far-reaching ways.

Media Inquiries: media[at]hrl.com, (310) 317-5000