As part of its communication and outreach activities, the CARIOQA-PMP project presents a recent scientific article on future satellite gravity missions and their role in observing changes on Earth.
The study, “Benefit of MAGIC and multipair quantum satellite gravity missions in Earth science applications” (Geophysical Journal International, August 2025), explores how new space mission concepts using multiple satellite pairs and quantum sensors could improve the way we measure changes in water, ice, and ocean systems on Earth.
Today’s missions, such as GRACE and GRACE-FO, have greatly improved our understanding of the Earth system. However, they are still limited in the level of detail and frequency of their measurements. The article shows that future quantum-based missions could provide more precise and more frequent information, helping to improve the understanding and monitoring of issues such as water resources and natural hazards.
In this context, the CARIOQA mission is an important first step towards the use of quantum technologies in space. By testing a quantum accelerometer in orbit, it is helping to prepare the next generation of Earth observation missions.
