Quantum Computing for Space Applications

Webinar Speakers:

Alessandro Grilli, Mattia Verducci, Tommaso Catuogno

Affiliation:

Thales Alenia Space

  • 5 February 2026
  • 3:00 PM UTC
  • Sponsored by GRSS
  • Quest - TC Webinar
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About the Webinar

Thales Alenia Space Italy, and specifically our Domain Observation and Navigation, is actively engaged in assessing the potential of quantum computing to address computational challenges relevant to the space sector. In particular, we are investigating optimization problems arising in satellite operations and Earth Observation (EO) applications, where classical approaches face scalability and performance limitations. Quantum optimization techniques, including hybrid quantum–classical algorithms, may offer novel pathways to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of space-based systems.

Over the past few years, our efforts have concentrated on the optimization of satellite mission planning, exploring formulations that leverage quantum algorithms to handle complex constraints, dynamic environments, and multi-objective criteria. In this context, we are also investigating tensor network-based techniques as a promising approach to efficiently represent and solve high-dimensional optimization problems, exploiting their ability to capture correlations and reduce computational complexity in both classical and quantum frameworks.

Beyond optimization, we are expanding our research into quantum machine learning (QML) to tackle demanding space-related tasks such as orbit determination and the analysis of multispectral and hyperspectral data. These efforts aim to exploit quantum-enhanced models for pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and data fusion, ultimately contributing to more accurate and autonomous decision-making in EO and satellite operations.

Through this ongoing research, we aim to identify practical and high-impact quantum computing use cases that could improve future Earth Observation and space infrastructure management capabilities. In this presentation, we will share the vision of Thales Alenia Space on the role of quantum computing -and quantum technologies more in general- in space applications and present our most recent findings in this emerging field.

 

About the Speakers

Alessandro Grilli holds a Master’s degree in Physics of Data from the University of Padova and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Bologna, in 2021 and 2024 respectively. With a strong background in physics, he specializes in data science, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. He is currently working as Quantum Satellite Solution Architect at Thales Alenia Space Italy, within the Advanced Technologies Unit, where he works on quantum computing applications for Earth observation and navigation. His research focuses on quantum algorithms, optimization, and deep learning techniques for autonomous on-board computing.

 

Mattia Verducci received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Physics from the University “La Sapienza” of Rome, in 2014 and 2017, respectively. He specialized in experimental quantum optics working in the Quantum Information Lab in Rome, dealing with quantum simulation of Anderson localization with integrated photonics. He is currently working in Thales Alenia Space as system engineer in the R&D area of the Domain Observation and Navigation Italy (DONI). Here, his main mission is to help the company to enable new ground and space solution for EO and navigation based on cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and photonics. He has consolidated experience in the field of machine learning and big data analytics, gained from previous work experiences.

 

Tommaso Catuogno, Senior Researcher in Quantum Technologies and Photonics at Thales Alenia Space, belongs to the Observation and Navigation domain (DON-I). He is now the Technical reference in the domain for Quantum Technologies within the R&D of the DON-I domain. In this context he is the Reference interface for TAS over the Quantum Computing Spoke of the Italian National Center in High-Performance Computing. Regarding his background, He achieved his M.Sc graduation at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in High-Performance Computing and Communications, pursuing a curriculum that allowed his specialization in Optical communications and Photonic technologies. He has been working as researcher at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, exploring the field of Capacity estimation problems on the nonlinear optical channel, designing Entropy Estimators for its estimation. He has been part of the R&D team in Optical & Photonic Systems at Ericsson Research, where he focused on Quantum Technologies, attempting to identify the potentials and limitations preventing the industrial deployment of these technologies. In this context, he filed a plethora of patents identifying novel schemes for applying Quantum Technologies to the industrial sector, contributing altogether to the writing of two Technical manuals on the subject.

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