About CARIOQA-PHA
CARIOQA-PHA (Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometry – Phase A), is a continuation of the CARIOQA-PMP project, with the overarching objective to demonstrate the feasibility of a Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission within the decade and thus enabling the European Union to deploy quantum gravimeters/accelerometers in space.
CARIOQA-PHA specifically aims to prepare the Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission by demonstrating its feasibility. The project will build the first step of a Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission relying on instrument technology developed in CARIOQA-PMP. As the first phase of the programme, CARIOQA-PHA is particularly important for the definition of the project requirements and constraints, to elaborate the technical and functional specifications of the system and identify the concepts that meet the mission needs.
The CARIOQA-PHA project includes key partners (CNES, DLR, ADS-F, ADS-G, FORTH) from the CARIOQA-PMP consortium, plus a new industrial partner for the mission analysis (GMV).
Objectives
Four main objectives have been set for the scope and duration of CARIOQA-PHA:
Formalize the technical demonstration needs of the Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission
Study system and operations concepts in line with technology demonstration needs and evaluate their technical feasibility
Confirm the feasibility of the Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission within the decade
Foster the impact maximisation thanks to a clear strategy and through trainings, relevant dissemination and communication.
