SBQuantum has taken a major step forward in the evolution of quantum sensing by successfully launching its diamond-based quantum magnetometer into orbit as part of the final stage of the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) MagQuest Challenge. The mission marks a pivotal moment not only for the Canadian company but also for the future of global navigation technologies that depend on accurate monitoring of Earth’s magnetic field.
The MagQuest initiative, launched in 2019, aims to identify next-generation technologies capable of improving the World Magnetic Model (WMM) – a foundational system used worldwide for navigation across aviation, maritime operations, smartphones, and defense platforms. With existing satellites responsible for collecting magnetic data approaching the end of their operational life – and with Earth’s magnetic field changing more rapidly than expected – the need for more precise and continuous monitoring has become increasingly urgent.
SBQuantum’s solution is a compact diamond quantum magnetometer designed to deliver continuous, high-resolution measurements of the magnetic field, even under the harsh conditions of space. Roughly the size of a household milk container, the sensor leverages quantum properties in diamond materials to achieve a level of sensitivity and stability not possible with traditional magnetic monitoring systems. Its deployment into orbit represents a significant validation of the technology in a real operational environment.
Beyond supporting updates to the WMM, the implications of this technology extend much further. Magnetic navigation offers a promising alternative in scenarios where GPS signals are unreliable, unavailable, or deliberately disrupted—an increasingly relevant concern in both civilian and defense contexts. As electronic warfare capabilities expand globally, resilient positioning methods that do not rely on satellite navigation signals are becoming strategically important.
SBQuantum’s participation in the final phase of MagQuest also reflects a broader shift toward quantum technologies as essential infrastructure for national security and advanced navigation systems. In Canada, for example, quantum sensing has recently been identified as one of the country’s key sovereign defense capabilities, highlighting its growing geopolitical and technological significance.
The company is collaborating with Spire Global to support the mission, combining SBQuantum’s sensor innovation with Spire’s satellite platforms, ground station network, and data processing expertise. Results from the competition’s final phase are expected later this year and could influence how magnetic-field monitoring capabilities are deployed globally by the end of the decade.
Looking ahead, diamond quantum magnetometers could enable new applications across aerospace, defense, infrastructure security, and resource exploration – signaling the beginning of a new era in precision navigation and environmental sensing driven by quantum technology.
