US Space Force’s X-37B to Test Quantum-Based GPS Alternative in Space

Quick Summary

• The X-37B, a US military space-plane operated by the US Space Force, will embark on its eighth mission into space on August 21, 2025. Much of its activities remain classified.
• A key focus of this mission is to test a quantum inertial navigation system as an option to GPS,based on quantum science.
• Conventional navigation systems rely on external signals like GPS, which can be disrupted or unavailable underwater, in deep space, or during conflicts. Quantum sensors aim to address this limitation by operating independently.
• The quantum inertial sensor uses atom interferometry-a technique that relies on cooling atoms to near absolute zero and measuring tiny environmental changes affecting their movement with high precision.
• Compared to traditional systems prone to drift over time without external corrections (like GPS), quantum sensors promise orders of magnitude higher accuracy and long-duration reliability without requiring external references.
• This will mark the first real-world space test of such advanced technology for long-duration missions. Past efforts have focused mainly on experimental validations in suborbital or short-term contexts.

!X‐37B Orbital Test Vehicle
The X‐37B Orbital Test Vehicle at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after touchdown (Image credit: U.S. Space force/Staff Sgt. Adam Shanks)

Indian Opinion analysis

This development underpins the rapid globalization and race for technological supremacy in emerging fields such as quantum mechanics and unmanned aerospace technology. While India’s Ministry of Electronics and Details Technology has been actively fostering research initiatives through initiatives like the National Mission for Quantum Technologies & Applications (NMQTA), developments elsewhere underscore heavy investments by key global powers like the US.India’s advancements into space missions via ISRO-especially with Chandrayaan and emerging reusable launch vehicle projects-are clear indicators that applying modular troves isn’t restricted! Courtesy##### Read more”