On 30 March 2026, Qubitrium launched its 1U CubeSat payload (a small satellite about the size of a loaf of bread), QubitCore, into low Earth orbit. The payload rode aboard the SpaceX mission. D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier (a spacecraft that deploys satellites into their final orbits) placed it precisely into orbit.

Just weeks later, QubitCore successfully generated its first quantum keys in space.

This marked a global first for a CubeSat-scale quantum payload, and a major milestone for Qubitrium.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Kadir Durak, who earned his PhD in atomic/molecular physics at the National University of Singapore, Qubitrium is a deep-tech company specialising in the design and manufacturing of quantum hardware. While the company is headquartered in Turkey, it also has a strong technical presence at HoQ in Delft.

​As soon as the technology entered orbit, it earned the right to “space heritage” – a term used across the industry to distinguish technology that has proven operational success in space. With a new designation as space-compatible, the QubitCore became commercially available for satellite operators and telecommunications providers worldwide.

​QubitCore excelled under real orbital conditions. It demonstrated thermal stability, operating flawlessly over a temperature range of 0°C to 35°C. The device continuously generated over 500 quantum keys (each 256 bits long) per second. These quantum keys underwent rigorous statistical testing, confirming their randomness according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.

While Qubitrium is proud of this success, they understand that this is just the first step in a longer process of advancing quantum-secure internet.

“Seeing QubitCore successfully deploy into orbit is the ultimate validation of our deep-tech engineering," said Dr. Kadir Durak, Founder of Qubitrium. "We have proven that our hardware can withstand the rigours of space and deliver the security the future demands. Our next step is clear: we are scaling up our production capacity and expanding our global partnerships to ensure that quantum-secure infrastructure becomes the global standard.”

Read more about Qubitirum and their work here: https://qubitrium.tech/