Although the video is not directly related to the CARIOQA mission, it provides an excellent introduction to the scientific challenges underpinning its objectives. Through practical examples, it illustrates how precise measurements of the Earth’s gravitational field can help us better understand our planet, including changes in water distribution, ice mass and sea levels.

These real-world applications help put CARIOQA’s ambitions into perspective. By developing quantum technologies for highly precise gravity measurements, the mission aims to contribute to the advancement of future gravimetry and Earth observation capabilities.

Discover the video:

In this second edition, we explore a recent scientific article authored by members of the CARIOQA mission consortium, focusing on how the CARIOQA Quantum Pathfinder Mission could contribute to space weather research and improve future satellite gravimetry.

The study investigates the performance of CARIOQA’s quantum accelerometer through computer simulations of two possible orbital configurations: a 500 km circular orbit and an elliptical orbit ranging from 400 to 700 km. These simulations assess the forces acting on the satellite, including atmospheric drag and solar radiation pressure, to evaluate whether the instrument can operate reliably in space and achieve the sensitivity required to measure non-gravitational accelerations.

Discover the full results of the study and learn more about the potential of CARIOQA’s quantum accelerometer by reading our latest factsheet!

As part of the Assembly, Prof. Jürgen Müller (LUH) is co-organising the session “Advanced methods for geodesy, metrology, navigation and fundamental physics”, bringing together experts to discuss the latest advances in these research fields.

During this session, Nina Fleeting (LUH) will present the latest developments from the CARIOQA project in a talk entitled: “CARIOQA Pathfinder and Beyond: Simulations of Quantum Satellite Gravimetry Missions”

The presentation will take place on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, at 15:30 and will highlight how CARIOQA is advancing the development of quantum technologies for future satellite gravimetry missions through innovative simulation approaches.

The COSPAR Scientific Assembly is one of the world’s leading conferences in space research, providing an international forum for scientists to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration across disciplines. CARIOQA’s participation offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the project’s contribution to next-generation quantum sensing technologies for Earth observation and space applications.

More information about the session is available on the COSPAR website:
https://www.cospar-assembly.org/admin/session_cospar.php?session=1512

As part of this initiative, Célia Pelluet (CNES) and member of the CARIOQA consortium delivered a conference at Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, focusing on the role of quantum sensors in space applications. Her talk highlighted the technological advances and promising perspectives of quantum sensing for future space missions, as well as CARIOQA’s contributions to this evolving field.

The event attracted strong public interest, with around 280 registered participants attending to explore a rich programme of hands-on experiments and engaging talks centred on quantum science and technologies.

Learn more about Nina

The first article highlights a key milestone: the two-day co-engineering workshop held in Bremen.

Bringing together teams from Thales Alenia Space, ZARM and CNES, the session focused on advancing one of the project’s most critical elements : the Physics Package.

Discover the full article.

Within this framework, the Quantum 100 project showcases 100 influential figures shaping the quantum ecosystem, spanning research, industry, entrepreneurship, education and culture. Among them is Célia Pelluet, an optical and quantum sensor engineer at CNES and an active science communicator.

Célia Pelluet stands out for her unique dual profile, combining cutting-edge scientific expertise with a strong commitment to science outreach. At CNES, she is involved in the development of the first quantum accelerometer to be operated in space, as part of the CARIOQA mission. This pioneering mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of quantum technologies in real space conditions, paving the way for major advances in Earth gravity studies, high-precision inertial navigation and fundamental physics.

Alongside her research activities, Célia is deeply engaged in science communication, drawing on her background as a stage performer to make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging and impactful. She is also a strong advocate for gender equality in STEM, an engagement recognised in 2023 with the L’Oréal–UNESCO Young Talents Award, which honours both her research achievements and her contribution to scientific outreach.

By joining the Quantum 100 panel, Célia Pelluet helps to highlight the pioneering role of CNES in innovative quantum space missions, while increasing the visibility of women in science and showcasing the diversity of talents driving quantum innovation today. Her career path embodies the intersection of scientific excellence, creativity and societal engagement.

Learn more about the initiative: Quantum 100 Hub – IYQ 2025

CARIOQA-PHB communication team at “Les rencontres du spatial en région Sud”

The event brought together several partner organisations involved in the project, including CNES, Thales Alenia Space, and ONERA.

During the day, GAC attended a round table at which French state directorates, including DGA (Defence Procurement Agency), SGDSN (General Secretariat for Defence and National Security) and DGE (Directorate General for Enterprise), highlighted the importance of European collaboration in the space sector. They emphasised that strengthened cooperation is essential to maintaining Europe’s technical excellence and competitiveness — a perspective that is fully embodied by the CARIOQA mission, involving multiple European partners, including the French and German space agencies.

A second session dedicated to Earth observation also indirectly reinforced the relevance of the CARIOQA mission. During the session, climate scientists stressed the need for diverse and highly precise datasets to improve the accuracy of climate measurements. As a reminder, the CARIOQA mission aims to provide high-precision gravity data from space, contributing to improved monitoring of Earth’s system dynamics.

The day concluded with a focus on the importance of integrating end-user needs into mission design to ensure that space missions address real operational challenges. This once again aligns strongly with the CARIOQA mission approach, which, within the CARIOQA-PMP project, includes dedicated work on future data use and user engagement.

The video highlights the cutting-edge industrial activities carried out by Thales Alenia Space and the project’s industrial partners.

It also explores the major scientific and societal challenges addressed by CARIOQA, from improved monitoring of hydrology and glaciology to a deeper understanding of sea-level dynamics.

Discover this unique perspective on CARIOQA!

Learn more about Aurélien