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PLANET
In the future, quantum sensors could help improve navigation and positioning, as well as the accuracy of scientific measurements, for example in gravity field determination. The project PLANET (Positioning and Location Analysis using Navigation and Quantum-Enhanced Technology) aims to explore this potential for interplanetary missions.
Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers
Credit:
Exzellenzcluster QuantumFrontiers
When a spacecraft leaves Earth, it is not possible to determine its position using the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). In such interplanetary missions, position determination is carried out using radio signals. By measuring the time of flight and frequency shift (Doppler effect), the position and speed of the spacecraft can be determined. However, the accuracy of this type of measurement is limited, which also limits the accuracy of the scientific results. Combining the radio measurements with quantum sensors would significantly improve the precision of position determination and thus also the scientific results.
The objective of the project PLANET is to investigate the application of quantum sensors for interplanetary navigation and gravitational field determination, to define the technical requirements for quantum sensors for interplanetary mission scenarios, and to quantify the advantages of combining Doppler observations and quantum measurements. For this purpose, the entire process is simulated, from orbit modeling and the measurement results of the quantum sensors to position determination. The development is based on the extension of the VENQS software, which was developed as part of the VirtualEnv and MoQSpace projects.
PLANET is part of the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers and is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Within QuantumFrontiers, the use of quantum effects for highly precise measurements is being investigated. These quantum effects open up new possibilities, for example for the satellite-based monitoring of global water resources or for the study of gravitational waves.
Credit:
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Departments
Contact
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
Prof. Dr. Meike List
Director
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Am Fallturm 9, 28359 Bremen
Germany