Space Photonics for Quantum Networks & Optical Sensing
Single-photon detection, entangled-photon sources and precision laser technologies engineered for space-based quantum communications, LiDAR, atmospheric monitoring and advanced optical sensing.
Since 2020, AUREA Technology has been developing advanced photonic building blocks for space-based quantum communications, optical sensing and LiDAR applications through European programs supported by the French Space Agency (CNES) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Working within industrial and scientific consortia alongside leading European space organizations, AUREA Technology proposes entangled-photon generation, single-photon detection and precision photonics with an integration-oriented engineering approach, supporting the development of compact and high-performance quantum-photonic building blocks for future satellite communication and networking architectures.
TeQuantS | Quantum Networking | Since 2022
AUREA Technology contributes to TeQuantS, a major French space quantum communications program led by Thales Alenia Space, with Airbus Defence and Space as fellow prime.
Supported through the European Space Agency (ESA) ARTES program, with the support of Agency French Space Agency CNES, TeQuantS brings together leading industrial, technology and research partners to advance space-to-Earth quantum communications and future quantum information networks.
Within the TeQuantS program, AUREA is developing a telecom-band entangled-photon source Engineering Breadboard (EBB) and a GHz single photon detector for space quantum communications.
A first EBB prototype will be presented at ICSO 2026, ahead of the planned delivery of the TeQuantS EBB by the end of 2026.
AUREA Technology’s Entangled Photon Source for Space communications
IQUPHOS | Entangled Photon Source | 2020 – 2021
The IQUPHOS program marked an important step in AUREA Technology’s development of photonic technologies for future satellite-based quantum communication systems.
Working with the French and European Space Agencies CNES and ESA together with ADS (Airbus Defence and Space), AUREA developed advanced entangled-photon source and quantum-analysis technologies for space-to-ground quantum communications at LEO orbit.
Space Optical Sensing
Beyond quantum communications, AUREA Technology’s single-photon detection technologies are also being deployed in emerging New Space optical sensing applications.
Applications include satellite LiDAR, atmospheric and gas monitoring, and precision optical ranging, where high detection sensitivity, compactness and system integration are critical.
These commercial applications extend AUREA Technology’s photonic expertise from quantum communications to advanced spaceborne optical sensing, demonstrating the versatility of its single-photon detection platform.
Space Programs & Industry Collaborations
Since 2020, AUREA Technology has built strong experience and knowhow in space quantum networking through European space programs involving leading institutional, industrial and scientific organizations, including:
French Space Agency (CNES) · European Space Agency (ESA) · Thales Alenia Space (TAS)· Airbus Defence and Space (ADS)
These collaborations reflect AUREA Technology’s ability to develop and deliver high-performance, reliable and integration-ready photonic technologies within demanding European space programs.
AUREA Technology supports space system integrators, payload developers and technology partners with specialized photonic building blocks for next-generation quantum communications, networking and optical sensing systems.
