Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometer - Phase A

CARIOQA-PHA

The main objective of the CARIOQA Phase A study (CARIOQA-PHA), funded by the European Union, is to prepare a quantum pathfinder mission to be launched by the end of the decade. The focus of this mission is to operate a quantum accelerometer in space and evaluate its performance and limitations. This Pathfinder mission will validate key technologies required for the deployment of highly sensitive quantum sensors on satellites and enable Europe to build such sensors for future missions.

Credit:

CARIOQA-PMP / G.A.C. Group

The CARIOQA program features the complementary CARIOQA-PMP project currently supported by the EU. This project has two main objectives: to understand the potential of quantum sensors in space for geodetic gravity field missions and to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of quantum technology by developing an engineering model of a space-based quantum accelerometer. This technology transfer from science to industry will pave the way for the construction of the flight model of the quantum sensor for the Pathfinder mission within a European industrial framework. The long-term vision is to launch a European quantum satellite gravity field mission.

The CARIOQA-PHA project will be the first step in the realization of a Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder mission based on the technology developed in CARIOQA-PMP. It will analyze various system architectures and operational concepts, evaluate critical technologies, and propose a path to technology maturation to ensure their use in the Pathfinder mission.

CARIOQA-PHA is a joint European project involving experts from the fields of space instrument and satellite development (Airbus), mission analysis (GMV) and impact maximization and assessment (PRAXI Network/FORTH), coordinated by the French and German space agencies CNES and DLR under the leadership of CNES.

Beteiligte Abteilungen

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Kontakt

Prof. Dr. Matthias Weigelt

Head Satellite Geodesy and Geodetic Modelling
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Satellite Geodesy and Geodetic Modelling
Callinstrasse 30b, 30167 Hannover
Germany

Dr. rer. nat. Christian Schubert

Head Quantum Sensing
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Quantum Sensing
Callinstrasse 30b, 30167 Hannover
Germany