Defense giant Boeing announced plans to demonstrate quantum networking in space, with a goal to launch the effort, dubbed Q4S, in 2026. This experiment will showcase entanglement swapping, a process required to build hack-resistant networks in space. Boeing has been tackling this challenge since 2021 and aims to advance quantum technology for various industries, including defense.

The U.S. government spends about $1 billion annually on quantum technology development through the National Quantum Initiative to maintain an edge over China. China has conducted significant experiments in quantum networking, showcasing achievements like establishing quantum keys across long distances.

Boeing’s yearlong mission to demonstrate entanglement swapping between two sources within a single satellite is in progress, with a focus on building backups and contingencies to minimize mission risks. If successful, the next target is to develop a multi-satellite experiment to prove this capability within a space-based network.

These efforts align with Boeing’s focus on showcasing new technologies and integrating them into existing portfolios. This approach aims to help customers understand the vision and potential applications of these technologies.