Honeywell and Redwire Collaborate on Quantum-Secured Satellite Communications.

Honeywell International and Redwire have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for quantum-secured satellite communications. The partnership aims to leverage Honeywell's expertise in satellite communications and Redwire's experience in quantum technology to develop secure and reliable satellite communications systems. The collaboration will focus on developing quantum-secured communication systems for military and commercial applications.

Honeywell International (NASDAQ: HON) and Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance quantum-secured satellite communication systems, as part of a European Space Agency (ESA)-backed initiative. The partnership aims to leverage Honeywell's expertise in satellite communications and Redwire's experience in quantum technology to develop secure and reliable satellite communications systems for both military and commercial applications.

The collaboration, which marks a key milestone for the Quantum Key Distribution Satellite (QKDSat) consortium, will combine Redwire’s quantum platform technology with Honeywell’s quantum optical payload to create a fully functional system by mid-2026. The QKDSat project, led by Honeywell since its 2024 launch, unites companies from ESA Member States including Belgium, Austria, Canada, Czechia, and the United Kingdom to build an ultra-secure telecommunications satellite for private information exchange.

Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager of Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, noted that the defense and space communications landscapes are evolving rapidly, with security and resiliency now the top priority for governments and critical industries. The partnership focuses on developing technologies that protect sensitive information from cyber and quantum threats for governments and defense agencies, while also creating quantum key distribution services for commercial customers.

Marc Dielissen, General Manager of Redwire Space Belgium, called quantum-enabled telecommunications "a gamechanger for government agencies and the private sector." He emphasized that the collaboration focuses on delivering cutting-edge innovation to mitigate increasingly sophisticated threats.

The partnership is expected to demonstrate quantum communications capabilities for commercial organizations such as financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and critical infrastructure companies that handle large volumes of confidential data.