Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

SpeQtre, the entanglement-based quantum comms demonstrator satellite, is now on orbit

Business

SpeQtre, the entanglement-based quantum comms demonstrator satellite, is now on orbit
Business

Business

SpeQtre, the entanglement-based quantum comms demonstrator satellite, is now on orbit

2025-11-29 09:00 Last Updated At:09:15

  • SpeQtral-RAL Space Quantum Communications Satellite Successfully Launches on SpaceX Transporter-15
  • Singapore-UK quantum collaboration begins on-orbit commissioning following successful deployment

SINGAPORE and OXFORDSHIRE, England, Nov. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpeQtral, Singapore's leading quantum communications company, in partnership with the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) RAL Space, announces the successful launch and deployment of the SpeQtre CubeSat aboard SpaceX's Transporter-15 mission. The spacecraft, containing SpeQtral's space-qualified entangled photon pair source and detector modules was deployed into sun-synchronous orbit on 28th November, 2025, marking a significant milestone for Singapore-UK space collaboration and quantum communications technology. 

Advanced Quantum Communications Technology

The SpeQtre satellite carries advanced quantum hardware designed by SpeQtral to explore secure space-based quantum communications. It represents a notably difficult technical challenge – demonstrating the exchange of quantum information from a CubeSat roughly the size of a microwave oven. By scaling down this complex technology, the mission aims to reduce costs and improve accessibility for future quantum communication missions. SpeQtre will investigate various aspects of quantum communications from space, starting with fundamental validation of quantum components and progressing toward sophisticated quantum communication protocols.

"This mission represents years of collaborative development between our teams," said Chune Yang Lum, CEO of SpeQtral. "We're taking a systematic approach that validates each aspect of the technology step by step, building toward increasingly ambitious quantum communications capabilities."

The mission builds on SpeQtral's previous space heritage, including involvement with the successful SpooQy-1 CubeSat mission that demonstrated an entangled photon pair source in space. The company has established strategic partnerships with major industry players including SES, Thales Alenia Space, and Hispasat to advance commercialization of space-based quantum communications.

Experts from RAL Space have developed the instrument that will beam SpeQtre's quantum signals to Earth, assembled the satellite hardware and ensured its readiness for space using their suite of environmental test facilities.

Commissioning Phase Begins

Following deployment, the satellite platform will undergo commissioning over the coming months, involving activation and testing of all spacecraft subsystems. SpeQtral and RAL Space will then commission their respective quantum payload and optical system, with this phased approach ensuring thorough validation before progressing to quantum experiments and other out of band key delivery mechanisms.

"SpeQtre is the first satellite developed through our agile mission facility, and a credit to the teams who have worked hard to deliver the payload for launch," said Andy Vick, Disruptive Technology Lead at RAL Space and UK Principal Investigator for SpeQtre. "By approaching this mission with speed and creativity, they have already paved the way for more ambitious missions ahead, including future UK demonstrators. But for now, for SpeQtre, the real fun begins as we look forward to the beginning of our quantum experiments in space."

Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges

Space-based quantum communications address critical emerging needs as quantum computing advances threaten conventional encryption methods. Unlike terrestrial fibre networks which are distance-limited, satellite-based systems provide quantum-secure communications across vast distances without requiring additional intermediary trusted repeater nodes.

The mission supports broader international efforts to establish quantum-secure communication networks, including the European Space Agency's INT-UQKD and Q-DESIGN programmes, highlighting global recognition of quantum communications as critical technology for future cybersecurity.

Singapore-UK Partnership

The SpeQtre collaboration stems from a Singapore-UK bilateral initiative designed to strengthen technological cooperation between the two nations. It is part of the Space Technology Development Programme administered by the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), Singapore's national space office, and the National Quantum Technologies Programme administered by UK Research and Innovation. The cooperation leverages Singapore's quantum expertise at SpeQtral, and UK's world-class space engineering capabilities at RAL Space.

"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. This mission reinforces the value of strategic international partnerships in driving innovation and advancing critical technologies." said Mr. Jonathan Hung, Executive Director of Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn).

Operations Timeline and Looking Ahead

Following the commissioning phase, quantum communications experiments are expected to begin in early 2026. The mission will start by conducting experiments with quantum-enabled optical ground stations at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore, and at RAL Space's Chilbolton Observatory in Hampshire, UK. Data from these experiments will allow for demonstrations of secured communications between the two sites and inform development of future commercial quantum communications satellites.

As quantum computing capabilities advance, the need for quantum-secure communications becomes increasingly urgent for governments, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide. Success in this mission will demonstrate the viability of cost-effective, small-satellite approaches to quantum communications, potentially accelerating deployment of commercial quantum communications constellations while establishing important precedents for international cooperation in quantum technologies and space-based security systems.

About SpeQtral

SpeQtral is a pioneer in quantum communications, with a vision to build and deploy global quantum networks. SpeQtral develops quantum-secure products and services designed to protect sovereign and enterprise telecommunication networks against classical, as well as future quantum-based cyber-attacks on cryptography. Combining both terrestrial and space-based solutions, SpeQtral aims to secure the world's networks against the threats posed by the imminent quantum revolution and drive innovation in quantum communications that will serve as the building blocks for the future quantum internet.
https://speqtralquantum.com/

About RAL Space

RAL Space is the UK's national space laboratory, working in partnership with government, industry, and academia to advance our understanding of space and our environment – for the benefit of all. Based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Chilbolton Observatory, our 350+ experts work across the lifecycle of space missions. We contribute to groundbreaking projects across Earth observation, space weather, planetary science, and astronomy, working with UK and international partners including ESA, NASA, and the UK Space Agency. As part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the wider UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), RAL Space plays a central role in shaping the UK's space capabilities.

https://www.ralspace.stfc.ac.uk/

  • SpeQtral-RAL Space Quantum Communications Satellite Successfully Launches on SpaceX Transporter-15
  • Singapore-UK quantum collaboration begins on-orbit commissioning following successful deployment

SINGAPORE and OXFORDSHIRE, England, Nov. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpeQtral, Singapore's leading quantum communications company, in partnership with the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) RAL Space, announces the successful launch and deployment of the SpeQtre CubeSat aboard SpaceX's Transporter-15 mission. The spacecraft, containing SpeQtral's space-qualified entangled photon pair source and detector modules was deployed into sun-synchronous orbit on 28th November, 2025, marking a significant milestone for Singapore-UK space collaboration and quantum communications technology. 

Advanced Quantum Communications Technology

The SpeQtre satellite carries advanced quantum hardware designed by SpeQtral to explore secure space-based quantum communications. It represents a notably difficult technical challenge – demonstrating the exchange of quantum information from a CubeSat roughly the size of a microwave oven. By scaling down this complex technology, the mission aims to reduce costs and improve accessibility for future quantum communication missions. SpeQtre will investigate various aspects of quantum communications from space, starting with fundamental validation of quantum components and progressing toward sophisticated quantum communication protocols.

"This mission represents years of collaborative development between our teams," said Chune Yang Lum, CEO of SpeQtral. "We're taking a systematic approach that validates each aspect of the technology step by step, building toward increasingly ambitious quantum communications capabilities."

The mission builds on SpeQtral's previous space heritage, including involvement with the successful SpooQy-1 CubeSat mission that demonstrated an entangled photon pair source in space. The company has established strategic partnerships with major industry players including SES, Thales Alenia Space, and Hispasat to advance commercialization of space-based quantum communications.

Experts from RAL Space have developed the instrument that will beam SpeQtre's quantum signals to Earth, assembled the satellite hardware and ensured its readiness for space using their suite of environmental test facilities.

Commissioning Phase Begins

Following deployment, the satellite platform will undergo commissioning over the coming months, involving activation and testing of all spacecraft subsystems. SpeQtral and RAL Space will then commission their respective quantum payload and optical system, with this phased approach ensuring thorough validation before progressing to quantum experiments and other out of band key delivery mechanisms.

"SpeQtre is the first satellite developed through our agile mission facility, and a credit to the teams who have worked hard to deliver the payload for launch," said Andy Vick, Disruptive Technology Lead at RAL Space and UK Principal Investigator for SpeQtre. "By approaching this mission with speed and creativity, they have already paved the way for more ambitious missions ahead, including future UK demonstrators. But for now, for SpeQtre, the real fun begins as we look forward to the beginning of our quantum experiments in space."

Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges

Space-based quantum communications address critical emerging needs as quantum computing advances threaten conventional encryption methods. Unlike terrestrial fibre networks which are distance-limited, satellite-based systems provide quantum-secure communications across vast distances without requiring additional intermediary trusted repeater nodes.

The mission supports broader international efforts to establish quantum-secure communication networks, including the European Space Agency's INT-UQKD and Q-DESIGN programmes, highlighting global recognition of quantum communications as critical technology for future cybersecurity.

Singapore-UK Partnership

The SpeQtre collaboration stems from a Singapore-UK bilateral initiative designed to strengthen technological cooperation between the two nations. It is part of the Space Technology Development Programme administered by the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), Singapore's national space office, and the National Quantum Technologies Programme administered by UK Research and Innovation. The cooperation leverages Singapore's quantum expertise at SpeQtral, and UK's world-class space engineering capabilities at RAL Space.

"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. This mission reinforces the value of strategic international partnerships in driving innovation and advancing critical technologies." said Mr. Jonathan Hung, Executive Director of Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn).

Operations Timeline and Looking Ahead

Following the commissioning phase, quantum communications experiments are expected to begin in early 2026. The mission will start by conducting experiments with quantum-enabled optical ground stations at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore, and at RAL Space's Chilbolton Observatory in Hampshire, UK. Data from these experiments will allow for demonstrations of secured communications between the two sites and inform development of future commercial quantum communications satellites.

As quantum computing capabilities advance, the need for quantum-secure communications becomes increasingly urgent for governments, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide. Success in this mission will demonstrate the viability of cost-effective, small-satellite approaches to quantum communications, potentially accelerating deployment of commercial quantum communications constellations while establishing important precedents for international cooperation in quantum technologies and space-based security systems.

About SpeQtral

SpeQtral is a pioneer in quantum communications, with a vision to build and deploy global quantum networks. SpeQtral develops quantum-secure products and services designed to protect sovereign and enterprise telecommunication networks against classical, as well as future quantum-based cyber-attacks on cryptography. Combining both terrestrial and space-based solutions, SpeQtral aims to secure the world's networks against the threats posed by the imminent quantum revolution and drive innovation in quantum communications that will serve as the building blocks for the future quantum internet.
https://speqtralquantum.com/

About RAL Space

RAL Space is the UK's national space laboratory, working in partnership with government, industry, and academia to advance our understanding of space and our environment – for the benefit of all. Based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Chilbolton Observatory, our 350+ experts work across the lifecycle of space missions. We contribute to groundbreaking projects across Earth observation, space weather, planetary science, and astronomy, working with UK and international partners including ESA, NASA, and the UK Space Agency. As part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the wider UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), RAL Space plays a central role in shaping the UK's space capabilities.

https://www.ralspace.stfc.ac.uk/

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

SpeQtre, the entanglement-based quantum comms demonstrator satellite, is now on orbit

SpeQtre, the entanglement-based quantum comms demonstrator satellite, is now on orbit

  • DayOne commits cumulative investment of RM28+ billion to Malaysia and aims to scale local operations to largest global footprint, accounting for over 50% of firm's workforce expansion by end-2026
  • DayOne's expansion in Malaysia to create 5,000+ local jobs across the supply chain, as well as 200+ high-value roles through the expansion of its Global Shared Services Center in Kuala Lumpur; Regional Operations and Training Hub in Johor to train 1,000+ skilled data center engineers

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DayOne Data Centers Limited ("DayOne"), a Singapore-headquartered global hyperscale data center platform, today announced a commitment of RM28+ billion cumulative investment in Malaysia by the end of 2026, cementing its leadership position in the country's data center market and reinforcing its long-term commitment to support Malaysia's role as a leading regional digital hub.

DayOne also announced plans to scale Malaysia into its largest global operational footprint, with the country accounting for over 50% of the firm's total headcount growth in 2026, as it aims to double its workforce and expand toward 1,200 direct jobs in Malaysia. The expanded presence is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs across the supply chain ecosystem. In particular, the Phase II expansion of its Global Shared Services Center (GSSC) in Kuala Lumpur, is also set to create more than 200 high-value roles across finance, procurement, investment, and corporate functions.

The company also unveiled the launch of two talent programs, aimed at cultivating young talent through its internship and graduate pathways. These programs are designed to provide early exposure, hands-on experience, and accelerated career development for high-potential individuals entering the digital infrastructure sector. As part of its efforts to empowering Malaysia's digital ecosystem, DayOne will also train over 1,000 data center engineers to support AI-ready infrastructure at its Regional Operations and Training Hub in Johor.

The commitment and talent initiatives were announced at the inaugural DayOne Tech & AI Career Expo held today in Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and TalentCorp Malaysia. The event brought together over 1,000 participants, 30 exhibiting companies, and 13 Malaysian universities to connect high-potential talent with more than 500 roles across the technology and AI ecosystem.

"Malaysia is not just a market for DayOne; it is a long-term commitment and a cornerstone of our regional strategy," said Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne. "The RM28 billion cumulative investment and the hiring and talent development we are announcing today are backed by real infrastructure: a regional operations hub in Johor, an expanded shared services center in Kuala Lumpur, and now two talent programs that will connect Malaysia's best and brightest to the opportunities being created across the SIJORI corridor. Our role extends beyond infrastructure, as we see DayOne playing an active role in contributing to the digital backbone that enables Malaysia's long-term economic growth."

A video message from YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry in developing both digital infrastructure and local talent.

"Government, industry, and academia must work together. We do not just create jobs, we create opportunities. And more importantly, we build talent that can compete globally. That is why initiatives like the DayOne Tech and AI Career Expo really matter. This is where ambition meets opportunities. Preparing our youth not just to find jobs, but to become creators, innovators, and leaders of the future. May this platform be the beginning of something bigger for you and for Malaysia," said YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Expo was designed as a platform not only for employment, but for career enablement and ecosystem engagement. Throughout the day, attendees participated in leadership keynotes, government and industry panels, and practical sessions covering workforce development, career pathways, and real-world applications of AI and technology. Participation from 13 universities, including leading institutions such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, further strengthened connections between education and industry.

The Career Expo reflects DayOne's commitment to not only infrastructure investment but also talent development, connecting high-potential candidates to real opportunities across the ecosystem. MIDA, MDEC, PERKESO, and TalentCorp participated in the event as co-partners, with YB Howard Lee, Member of the National TVET Council and Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor, delivering remarks. YB Lee Ting Han, Johor State Executive Council (EXCO) Member and Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, and YB Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councilor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, also gave video remarks at the event. The Expo is a reflection of a shared vision between DayOne and Malaysia, as the company works in partnership with government agencies to support Malaysia's position as a leading regional digital hub.

Following the inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo in Malaysia, DayOne will take its talent engagement initiatives across the region, with the next event in Thailand later in April, focused on connecting infrastructure investment with workforce readiness and create sustainable pathways into high-growth careers in digital infrastructure and AI industries.

About DayOne Data Centers

DayOne is a Singapore-headquartered global digital infrastructure platform that develops and operates next-gen data centers for industry leaders who demand reliable, cost-effective and rapidly scalable solutions. Its facilities empower hyperscalers and large enterprises to achieve fast deployment and enhance connectivity, driving transformative engagement and innovation as we shape the future of industries. DayOne's data center developments span key markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, and Finland.

  • DayOne commits cumulative investment of RM28+ billion to Malaysia and aims to scale local operations to largest global footprint, accounting for over 50% of firm's workforce expansion by end-2026
  • DayOne's expansion in Malaysia to create 5,000+ local jobs across the supply chain, as well as 200+ high-value roles through the expansion of its Global Shared Services Center in Kuala Lumpur; Regional Operations and Training Hub in Johor to train 1,000+ skilled data center engineers

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DayOne Data Centers Limited ("DayOne"), a Singapore-headquartered global hyperscale data center platform, today announced a commitment of RM28+ billion cumulative investment in Malaysia by the end of 2026, cementing its leadership position in the country's data center market and reinforcing its long-term commitment to support Malaysia's role as a leading regional digital hub.

DayOne also announced plans to scale Malaysia into its largest global operational footprint, with the country accounting for over 50% of the firm's total headcount growth in 2026, as it aims to double its workforce and expand toward 1,200 direct jobs in Malaysia. The expanded presence is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs across the supply chain ecosystem. In particular, the Phase II expansion of its Global Shared Services Center (GSSC) in Kuala Lumpur, is also set to create more than 200 high-value roles across finance, procurement, investment, and corporate functions.

The company also unveiled the launch of two talent programs, aimed at cultivating young talent through its internship and graduate pathways. These programs are designed to provide early exposure, hands-on experience, and accelerated career development for high-potential individuals entering the digital infrastructure sector. As part of its efforts to empowering Malaysia's digital ecosystem, DayOne will also train over 1,000 data center engineers to support AI-ready infrastructure at its Regional Operations and Training Hub in Johor.

The commitment and talent initiatives were announced at the inaugural DayOne Tech & AI Career Expo held today in Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and TalentCorp Malaysia. The event brought together over 1,000 participants, 30 exhibiting companies, and 13 Malaysian universities to connect high-potential talent with more than 500 roles across the technology and AI ecosystem.

"Malaysia is not just a market for DayOne; it is a long-term commitment and a cornerstone of our regional strategy," said Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne. "The RM28 billion cumulative investment and the hiring and talent development we are announcing today are backed by real infrastructure: a regional operations hub in Johor, an expanded shared services center in Kuala Lumpur, and now two talent programs that will connect Malaysia's best and brightest to the opportunities being created across the SIJORI corridor. Our role extends beyond infrastructure, as we see DayOne playing an active role in contributing to the digital backbone that enables Malaysia's long-term economic growth."

A video message from YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry in developing both digital infrastructure and local talent.

"Government, industry, and academia must work together. We do not just create jobs, we create opportunities. And more importantly, we build talent that can compete globally. That is why initiatives like the DayOne Tech and AI Career Expo really matter. This is where ambition meets opportunities. Preparing our youth not just to find jobs, but to become creators, innovators, and leaders of the future. May this platform be the beginning of something bigger for you and for Malaysia," said YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Expo was designed as a platform not only for employment, but for career enablement and ecosystem engagement. Throughout the day, attendees participated in leadership keynotes, government and industry panels, and practical sessions covering workforce development, career pathways, and real-world applications of AI and technology. Participation from 13 universities, including leading institutions such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, further strengthened connections between education and industry.

The Career Expo reflects DayOne's commitment to not only infrastructure investment but also talent development, connecting high-potential candidates to real opportunities across the ecosystem. MIDA, MDEC, PERKESO, and TalentCorp participated in the event as co-partners, with YB Howard Lee, Member of the National TVET Council and Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor, delivering remarks. YB Lee Ting Han, Johor State Executive Council (EXCO) Member and Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, and YB Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councilor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility, also gave video remarks at the event. The Expo is a reflection of a shared vision between DayOne and Malaysia, as the company works in partnership with government agencies to support Malaysia's position as a leading regional digital hub.

Following the inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo in Malaysia, DayOne will take its talent engagement initiatives across the region, with the next event in Thailand later in April, focused on connecting infrastructure investment with workforce readiness and create sustainable pathways into high-growth careers in digital infrastructure and AI industries.

About DayOne Data Centers

DayOne is a Singapore-headquartered global digital infrastructure platform that develops and operates next-gen data centers for industry leaders who demand reliable, cost-effective and rapidly scalable solutions. Its facilities empower hyperscalers and large enterprises to achieve fast deployment and enhance connectivity, driving transformative engagement and innovation as we shape the future of industries. DayOne's data center developments span key markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, and Finland.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

DayOne Announces RM28+ Billion Commitment and Talent Initiatives in Malaysia at Inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo

Recommended Articles