WorldEuropeThe UK successfully tested the first quantum-based navigation system

The UK successfully tested the first quantum-based navigation system

Type of event:
New technology presentation

Victims

Wounded

Date

May 14, 2024

What happened

The UK has successfully tested a new quantum-based navigation system immune to GPS jamming. The project, backed by almost £8m in funding from the government as part of its National Quantum Strategy, was developed by quantum technology company Infleqtion and included two technologies: a compact optical atomic clock and a tightly confined ultra-cold-atom-based quantum system. These technologies will form part of the Quantum Inertial Navigation System, which aims to reduce the reliance on traditional navigation systems by operating independently of satellite GPS navigation, which is vulnerable to various risks. Even though an aircraft affected by GPS jamming can move to backup navigation systems, quantum-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) can avoid disruption entirely.

Where it happened

Main sources