Boeing Space
X-37B Illustration
The quantum alternative to GPS navigation will be tested on the US military aircraft. This technology could revolutionize as spaceships, aircraft, ships and submarines sail in environments where GPS is not available.
The famous should board his eighth flight to space this Thursday. Much of what the X-37B does in space is secret. But it is known that it serves as a platform for cutting-edge experiences.
One of these experiences is a potential Alternative to GPS which makes use of quantum science as a navigation tool: a quantum inertial sensor.
Satellite -based systems such as GPS are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from mobile phones to aviation and logistics. But GPS is not available everywhere. This technology could revolutionize as spaceships, aircraft, ships and submarines sail in environments where GPS is not available or compromised.
In space, for example, GPS signals become unhealthy or simply disappear. It applies under water, where submarines cannot access GPS at all. And even on Earth, GPS signs can be blocked counterfeit (making a GPS receiver think it’s in a different location) or deactivated – for example, during a conflict.
This makes navigation without GPS a critical challenge. In such scenarios, having navigation systems that work regardless of any external signs becomes essential.
Traditional Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)which use acceleration and gyros to measure the acceleration and rotation of a vehicle, in fact provide independent navigation as they can estimate position following how the vehicle moves over time.
Quantum came to help
O Quantum Innerial Sensor aboard X-37B Use a technique called Atomic interferometrywhere atoms are cooled to the temperature near the absolute zero, so as to behave like waves.
Compared to classic inertial navigation systems, quantum sensors offer ORDERS OF MAGNITY HIGHER SENSITIVITY.
Unlike mechanical or electronic components, they are much less likely to deviation or bias. The result is long -term navigation and high accuracy without the need for external references.
The X-37B experience is designed as a compact, high performance and resilient inertial navigation unit for long-term real missions. Moves the atomic interferometry of the domain of pure science for a practical application in the aerospace.
This is a big leap in quantum navigation – note o. In addition, it has important implications for both military and civil spatial flight.
For US space force, it represents a step towards greater operational resilience, particularly in scenarios where GPS can be denied. For future spatial exploration, as for the moon, Mars Or even deep space, where autonomy is key, a quantum navigation system could serve not only as reliable reserve but even as a primary system when Earth signs are not available.
Countries including the US, China and the United Kingdom are investing heavily in quantum inertial detection, with recent tests at aircraft and submarines show strong promise. In 2024, Boeing and the Aoense led the first worldwide jail quantum navigation test on board a manned aircraft.
This demonstrated continuous navigation without GPS for approximately four hours. That same year, the United Kingdom conducted its first quantum navigation flight test publicly recognized in a commercial aircraft.