Imperial College London, based in the United Kingdom, has successfully tested a quantum navigation sensor capable of determining position without the need for satellite signals under the harsh maritime conditions of the Arctic. Conducted in collaboration with the Royal Navy, the study represents a critical milestone in transitioning quantum-enhanced inertial sensors developed in laboratory settings into operational environments.
A Strategic Step Toward GNSS Independence
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS/GPS), which form the backbone of modern navigation, have vulnerabilities such as signal jamming, spoofing, and atmospheric interference. Experts at Imperial College estimate that a single-day outage of the GPS system could cost the UK economy more than £1 billion. The newly developed quantum sensors mitigate these risks by providing uninterrupted positioning information in underground, underwater, and signal-denied environments.
Field Trials Aboard MV Anvil Point
The tests, carried out in coordination with the Royal Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office (DCTO), were conducted aboard the vessel MV Anvil Point. Using quantum phenomena in ultra-cooled atoms to measure acceleration and rotation rates, the system can calculate its position with high accuracy throughout a journey once an initial location is entered, without receiving any external signals. The Arctic trials provided a critical dataset to assess the device’s operational robustness and sensitivity, particularly against severe shocks, vibration, and rapidly changing weather conditions typical of maritime environments.
From Laboratory to Operational Deployment
Dr. Joseph Cotter, who leads the research team, emphasized that testing sensors that perform well in laboratory conditions under unpredictable environments such as the Arctic is vital for commercializing the technology. First demonstrated in 2018 and previously tested on the London Underground and the research vessel XV Patrick Blackett, the technology has the potential to become a standard not only for navies but also for aviation, agriculture, and rail transportation. The Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology (QuEST) at Imperial College continues to work with industry partners to transform these discoveries into strategic and economic gains.
Source: C4Defence / Imperial College London
