Honeywell, Redwire advance collaboration on quantum-secured communications

Honeywell (HON) announced a Memorandum of Understanding that advances a European Space Agency-backed initiative to develop new quantum-secured satellite communication systems. The MOU, signed with Redwire Corporation (RDW), is the latest milestone under the Quantum Key Distribution Satellite consortium, which was launched in 2024 and is being led by Honeywell, the company said. “It will enable the two companies to explore opportunities to mature and expand the use of quantum key distribution technology as part of the consortium, which operates under the European Space Agency’s QKDSat Public Private Partnership. The aim is to combine Redwire’s quantum platform technology with Honeywell’s quantum optical payload, creating a fully functional payload and platform by mid-2026. The collaboration aims to advance quantum-secured technologies that could help governments and defense agencies protect sensitive information from emerging cyber and quantum threats, while also accelerating next generation quantum key distribution services for commercial customers. The QKDSat project brings together companies from ESA Member States including Belgium, Austria, Canada, Czechia, and the United Kingdom to develop an ultra-secure telecommunications satellite that ensures the secure and private exchange of sensitive information,” the company stated.