Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometry – Pathfinder Mission Preparation

The overarching goal of CARIOQA-PMP is to prepare the deployment of quantum gravimeters/accelerometers in space, within the decade, through a Quantum Pathfinder Mission.

Indeed, the emergence of quantum sensors offers an opportunity to provide new applications for climate sciences through the improvement of space gravimetry performance.

Hence, the mastery of this technology in space is one of the major environmental, technological and strategic challenges of the decade. Three main objectives have been set for the scope and duration of CARIOQA-PMP:1.

To develop an Engineering Model (EM) of the mission’s instrument and to increase the TRL of the critical subsystems up to 5. Complementary EU industrial partners develop the subsystems of the instrument (i.e.

Physics Package, Laser System, Microwave Source and Ground Support Equipment) and increase its TRL by assessing the critical technologies in relevant environments. Excellent institutes bring their quantum expertise for the definition of the EM and the mastering of its performance2. To guarantee the adequacy of the hardware development with the future scientific needs.

Through their knowledge of scientific applications, leading institutes in geodesy analyse and simulate potential mission scenarios for the Quantum Pathfinder Mission and future Post-Pathfinder scientific missions3. To establish a technical and programmatic roadmap for Quantum Space Gravimetry Missions.

This roadmap will be shared and validated by European stakeholders.

It ensures the impact maximisation of the project’s results through its harmonisation with the European programmatic frameworkCARIOQA-PMP brings together the main players of quantum sensors in Europe.

It gathers unique skills among 16 partners from 5 EU Member States including 2 space agencies, 8 research organisations and 6 industries.

As a result, CARIOQA-PMP will secure the capacities for implementing quantum gravimeters/accelerometers in space within the EU, contributing to the EU's strategic goal of non-dependence and autonomy.