ISRO Expert Points to Quantum Tech for Future Satellites

During the National Space Technology Conclave 2026 in Chandigarh, experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) identified quantum technology as one of several tools expected to support India’s future satellite systems. This mention occurred during a two-day event organized by Chandigarh University and was not part of a funded program, signed contract, or deployed system. Quantum was listed alongside AI, machine learning, and inter-satellite links as a technology anticipated for future use.

What was stated

The reference to quantum technology stems from a single passage delivered by Dr. Nilesh M. Desai, former director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre. He informed attendees that AI/ML, quantum technology, and inter-satellite links would contribute to India’s forthcoming satellite systems. His description of quantum, according to the August 18 press release, remained at a general level of expectation:

“Quantum technology will help prevent cyber frauds and enhance the security of financial transactions, banking and stock market operations, military communications and other sensitive networks.”

This quote represents the full extent of quantum-related content in the release. There was no mention of specific hardware, timelines, pilot programs, budget allocations, or named quantum projects associated with any Indian satellite, as Desai dedicated more of his speech to radar systems and India’s collaborations with NASA, JPL, and JAXA.

The remainder of the conclave’s second day covered mission architecture, payload development and validation, ground stations, satellite tracking, and space sustainability. Dr. Anil Kumar, former director of ISTRAC, discussed orbital debris and collision avoidance. Deepinder Singh Sandhu of Chandigarh University reviewed India’s launch history, including the claim that the PSLV had launched 399 foreign satellites by 2026.

Contextualizing the information

All things considered, the core story here is about a conference detailing India’s space ambitions, with quantum appearing as one of many keywords.

It is important to clearly state the significant gap between this and any real-life deployment. A former official identifying quantum as a security tool for future satellites is a forecast, and forecasts are not implementations. Though India does have ongoing national quantum research through the National Quantum Mission, this conclave didn’t establish any connection between that effort and ISRO’s satellite roadmap. 

Until ISRO commits to a specific quantum payload, protocol, or test, this remains a single line in a speech. So, time will tell what happens next.