The CARIOQA PMP General Assembly took place on 19–20 March 2026 at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), bringing together technical, research and industry partners from across Europe – CNES, DLR, Leibniz University, DTU National Space Institute, SYRTE, LP2N, ONERA, LCAR, POLIMI, Airbus, EXAIL, LEONARDO, Teletel, FORTH/PRAXI, and GAC.
Over the two days, participants reviewed progress across work packages and discussed mission scenarios, subsystem developments, dissemination strategies, legal and financial aspects, and upcoming implementation phases. Simon Conticello, the CARIOQA Mission Project Officer from the European Commission’s HaDEA, was also present; a strong signal of the European Commission’s support for the CARIOQA mission and its commitment to accompanying the consortium through the critical phases of its implementation.
During the meeting, a second webinar entitled “Quantum Sensors: From Ground to Space” explored pathways for translating advanced laboratory quantum sensing technologies into deployable instruments for future Earth observation and space-based gravimetry missions. Chaired by Thomas Lévêque (CNES), the webinar featured a discussion between Naceur Gaaloul (Leibniz University Hannover, Germany), whose work in ultracold-atom quantum engineering supports high-precision inertial sensing for next-generation space gravimetry; Stephan Seidel (Airbus), who contributed industrial expertise on system-level integration and the transition of quantum sensor concepts into space-qualified technologies; and Lisa Wörner, member of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Board (STAB), who brings extensive expertise in quantum technologies for space, including leadership roles in the BECCAL cold-atom laboratory project for the ISS and at DLR’s Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing in Hannover.
A recording of the webinar will be available shortly on the project website. Stay tuned!
