AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES
Your browser is not supported.
For the best experience, please access this site using the latest version of the following browsers:
By closing this window you acknowledge that your experience on this website may be degraded.
Honeywell And Redwire Advance Collaboration On Quantum-Secured Communications For Civil And Defense Customers
Honeywell And Redwire Advance Collaboration On Quantum-Secured Communications For Civil And Defense Customers
- Companies will advance next generation quantum-secured satellite communications on Honeywell’s QKDSat Project with the European Space Agency, sponsored by the UK, Belgian, Austrian, Canadian, and Czech Republic Space Agencies
LONDON, U.K., September 15, 2025 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that advances a European Space Agency-backed initiative to develop new quantum-secured satellite communication systems.
The MOU, signed with Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), is the latest milestone under the Quantum Key Distribution Satellite consortium (QKDSat), which was launched in 2024 and is being led by Honeywell. 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 defense and space communications landscapes are evolving rapidly, with security and resiliency now the top priority for governments and critical industries,” said Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager, Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “By combining Honeywell’s quantum optical payload technology and experience in satellite communications with Redwire’s expertise in agile platforms and onboard quantum computing, we are bringing the promise of quantum-secured communications closer to reality.”
In addition to civil and defense-related applications, Honeywell and Redwire plan to demonstrate space and ground-based quantum communications capabilities for commercial organizations such as financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and critical infrastructure companies that generate large volumes of confidential data.
“Quantum-enabled telecommunications could be a gamechanger for government agencies and the private sector, and our collaboration with Honeywell is focused on delivering cutting edge innovation to mitigate increasingly sophisticated threats,” said Marc Dielissen, General Manager of Redwire Space Belgium. “Working together with ESA, the world-class team of Redwire and Honeywell leverages the strength of Public-Private Partnerships to initiate a quantum-secure space network that could set a new standard for secure global communications.”
About Honeywell
Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
About Redwire
Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is an integrated space and defense tech company focused on advanced technologies. We are building the future of aerospace infrastructure, autonomous systems and multi-domain operations leveraging digital engineering and AI automation. Redwire’s approximately 1,300 employees located throughout the United States and Europe are committed to delivering innovative space and airborne platforms transforming the future of multi-domain operations. For more information, please visit RDW.com.
