Gradiant showcases its innovations in photonics, quantum technologies and advanced communications at New Space España 2026
The technology centre will bring its capabilities in integrated photonics, quantum technologies and advanced communications for the aerospace sector to New Space España 2026
The event will bring together industry, technology centres and institutions in Vigo to address the next challenges in innovation, connectivity and strategic autonomy in space
Integrated photonics, quantum technologies and advanced communications are three of the areas in which Gradiant is working to address some of the key technological challenges facing new space platforms: processing more information on board with lower power consumption, developing increasingly secure and resilient communications, and ensuring connectivity in scenarios where terrestrial networks are not sufficient.
These capabilities will be showcased on 24 and 25 September at New Space España 2026, which will once again bring together companies, institutions, technology centres, universities and professionals from the space sector in Vigo to address the challenges and opportunities facing an increasingly strategic industry.
Under the theme “Strategic autonomy from space”, the fourth edition of the event will focus on areas including security, new constellations, industrial capabilities, sustainability and strategic partnerships.
Integrated photonics for more efficient space platforms
In space, power consumption, weight and the ability to process information directly on board are critical factors. This is why at Gradiant we work on integrated photonics and photonic signal processing to develop more compact and efficient architectures. These technologies make it possible to transfer certain functions traditionally performed electronically into the photonic domain, enabling the processing of radio-frequency signals, images and artificial intelligence applications.
Our areas of work include the development of photonic circuits and devices, signal processing, and architectures combining photonics, microelectronics, artificial intelligence and embedded software.
The aim is to increase on-board processing capacity, reduce power consumption and enable satellites and other platforms to analyse increasing volumes of information in real time before transmitting it to the ground.
Quantum technologies enabling new capabilities in space
The space environment is also one of the areas with the greatest potential for the development of quantum technologies. At Gradiant, we research technologies for secure quantum communications, quantum key distribution and high-precision sensing, with applications in fields where security, navigation and observation are particularly relevant.
The combination of terrestrial networks and future space infrastructure opens up new possibilities for developing communications protected against emerging threats, securely distributing information over long distances, and deploying sensors capable of achieving levels of precision that are difficult to reach with conventional technologies.
These capabilities are part of our work to move quantum technologies from research towards real-world application scenarios, including within the New Space ecosystem.
Advanced communications for global, resilient connectivity
Advanced communication networks are moving towards increasingly close integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructure. Our work on advanced 5G and 6G communications, NTN networks, radio technologies, signal processing and communication systems aims to contribute to this evolution.
The integration of satellites, aerial platforms and terrestrial networks will make it possible to extend coverage, increase communications resilience and provide connectivity in remote areas, emergency scenarios and environments where conventional infrastructure is unavailable.
We also work on capabilities related to SIGINT, ISAC and advanced communications subsystems, technologies that are relevant to the development of increasingly autonomous and connected platforms capable of operating in complex environments.
Research and development as a driver of the space sector
In addition to showcasing these capabilities at New Space España 2026, Gradiant will also take part in the event programme.
On Friday, 25 September at 09:45, Luis Pérez Roca, Director of Advanced Communications at Gradiant, will take part in the round table “Research and development at the heart of progress in the space sector”.
The session will bring together representatives from the technology, academic and institutional sectors to examine the role of R&D in developing new space capabilities and transferring knowledge to industry.
In a sector characterised by increasingly rapid technological cycles, collaboration between companies, universities, technology centres and institutions is essential to transform research into competitive systems, services and industrial capabilities.
Gradiant at New Space España 2026
On 24 and 25 September, we will be at the Afundación headquarters in Vigo to showcase our capabilities in integrated photonics, quantum technologies and advanced communications applied to the development of new space platforms and systems.
These technologies can help drive the development of more efficient systems, more secure and resilient communications, greater on-board processing capacity and new connectivity solutions between Earth and space.
New Space España 2026 will provide an opportunity to demonstrate how we take these capabilities from research through to solutions with real-world applications in the space industry.