Monarch Quantum to Deliver Integrated Photonics Engines for NASA's First Space Quantum Gravity Gradiometer
Monarch Quantum won the contract to deliver integrated photonics Quantum Light Engines™ for NASA JPL's QGGPf mission, marking the first planned space-based quantum gravity gradiometer. Infleqtion will integrate Monarch's chip-scale lasers and sealed photonics modules into its neutral-atom sensor, with hardware development slated for completion by 2029.
1. Monarch Quantum Wins NASA Contract
Monarch Quantum, a U.S.-based quantum photonics firm, has been selected to supply its integrated photonics Quantum Light Engines™ for NASA JPL’s QGGPf mission. This contract covers delivery of chip-scale lasers, precision optics, low-noise electronics and sealed packaging engineered for the first planned space-based quantum gravity gradiometer.
2. Integration with Infleqtion’s Quantum Sensor
Infleqtion will integrate Monarch’s laser-optical subsystems directly into the neutral-atom quantum core of the gravity sensor. The integrated modules provide sub-milliradian alignment stability, thermal and vibration resilience required for orbital deployment and ultra-precise gravitational field measurements.
3. Timeline and Strategic Implications
NASA JPL and Infleqtion plan to complete instrument hardware development over the next three years, targeting a flight demonstration upon mission readiness. This partnership positions Infleqtion at the forefront of space-based quantum sensing, potentially opening new markets in Earth observation, subsurface mapping and inertial navigation.