The X-37B orbital test vehicle is set to embark on its eighth flight into space on August 21, 2025, carrying a cutting-edge experiment that could revolutionize spacecraft navigation. The project aims to develop an alternative to GPS technology using quantum science.
GPS signals become unreliable or vanish in space, especially beyond Earth’s orbit, and are also compromised underwater or during conflicts on Earth. Traditional inertial navigation systems rely on accelerometers and gyroscopes but can accumulate small errors, drifting off course without visual cues.
The X-37B experiment uses a technique called atom interferometry to create a quantum inertial sensor. This technology involves cooling atoms to near absolute zero, making them behave like waves. By analyzing the interference patterns created by these atomic “waves,” the system can detect even tiny shifts in motion, providing long-duration and high-accuracy navigation without external references.
The test represents a significant step forward for military and civilian spaceflight. The US Space Force sees this technology as a key to operational resilience, particularly in scenarios where GPS is compromised. For future missions like lunar or Martian exploration, autonomous systems could rely on quantum navigation as both a primary and backup solution when signals from Earth are unavailable.
Quantum technologies, including sensors, clocks, and communication systems, are gaining traction for real-world applications. Recent tests have shown promising results, with the US, China, and UK investing heavily in quantum inertial sensing research. The X-37B mission could mark a turning point in space navigation, if successful, by bringing these advances into orbit.
Source: https://theconversation.com/quantum-alternative-to-gps-navigation-will-be-tested-on-us-military-spaceplane-262967