Quantum Leap for Space Mining: Canada, Luxembourg Partner on Subsurface Resource Mapper

MONTREAL, QC – November 24, 2025

A groundbreaking international partnership between Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC), the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) promises to redefine the future of resource exploration. The collaboration, announced this week, centers on the development of QASM (Quantum Atomic Subsurface Mapper), a space-based quantum gravimetry sensor designed to detect critical minerals and water resources both on Earth and in space.

Unlocking Hidden Resources with Quantum Technology

QASM leverages the principles of cold-atom interferometry, a highly sensitive technique that measures subtle changes in gravity. This allows the sensor to map subsurface structures with unprecedented accuracy, potentially identifying resource deposits that would remain hidden to traditional exploration methods. “The current methods for finding critical resources are often expensive, environmentally disruptive, and time-consuming,” notes one industry analyst. “This technology could significantly reduce those challenges and open up access to previously inaccessible resources.”

The project represents a significant advancement in quantum sensing. While quantum technology has shown promise in various fields, its application to space-based resource detection is still in its early stages. The development of QASM will require overcoming significant engineering hurdles, including miniaturizing the sensor for space deployment and ensuring its stability in the harsh space environment.

CSMC’s expertise in combining nuclear, quantum, and robotics innovation is central to the project. The company has already received substantial funding from the Canadian Space Agency for related technologies, including a microreactor designed for lunar operations. “This isn’t just about building a sensor; it's about creating a comprehensive system for resource exploration and utilization,” explains a source familiar with CSMC’s development roadmap.

A New Space Race for Critical Resources?

The timing of this announcement is particularly relevant given the increasing global demand for critical minerals. These materials are essential for manufacturing everything from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors, and securing access to reliable supplies is becoming a strategic priority for many nations. The ability to identify new sources of these minerals, both on Earth and in space, could have significant geopolitical implications.

“We’re seeing a growing recognition that access to resources is a key component of national security and economic competitiveness,” states a policy expert specializing in space resources. “Countries that can develop and deploy technologies like QASM will be well-positioned to secure their supply chains and maintain their leadership in the global economy.”

This collaborative effort isn’t happening in a vacuum. Other nations and private companies are also investing heavily in space resource exploration. NASA’s Artemis program, for example, aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, which will require in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Companies like OffWorld Europe are actively developing robotic systems for extracting resources from the lunar surface. This growing activity suggests that a new “space race” for resources is underway.

Luxembourg’s Vision for Space Resources

LSA’s commitment to the QASM project is deeply rooted in its SpaceResources.lu initiative, a national strategy aimed at fostering the development of a thriving space resources sector. Luxembourg has proactively created a legal framework that encourages private investment in space resource exploration and utilization.

The country’s strategic focus on ISRU reflects a long-term vision of creating a sustainable space economy. By enabling the extraction and utilization of resources found in space, Luxembourg hopes to reduce the cost and complexity of future space missions and create new economic opportunities. “Luxembourg is committed to building international partnerships that accelerate sustainable space exploration,” explains Bob Lamboray, Senior Manager – Exploration and Space Resources at LSA. “This collaboration with CSMC and ESA combines Europe’s and Canada’s strengths in quantum research, resource science, and commercial space development.”

The QASM project is a natural extension of this vision. By providing a powerful new tool for resource detection, the sensor could play a key role in enabling ISRU, both on the Moon and in other parts of the solar system. Initial laboratory demonstrations of the QASM system are scheduled for 2026, with field testing and validation to follow. The next phase of the project will focus on preparing the sensor for deployment in space, a challenging but potentially transformative endeavor. The development represents a confluence of advanced technologies, international cooperation, and a growing recognition of the importance of space resources for the future of humanity.