The workshop provided valuable insights into the priorities and expectations of future users, helping to identify key requirements for the next generation of quantum gravimetry missions in space.

Discussions highlighted the broad range of applications that a post-pathfinder mission could support, including climate monitoring, earthquake research, hydrology and fundamental physics. In the latter field, improved quantum gravimetry could contribute to testing fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics and searching for signatures of dark matter.

Participants also stressed that realising the full potential of quantum space gravimetry will require coordinated efforts at European and international levels. Key priorities include strengthening international collaboration, investing in research infrastructure and education, and developing robust, reliable and user-friendly quantum sensors.

The outcomes of the workshop will contribute to shaping the requirements and priorities for future quantum space gravimetry missions, ensuring that they respond effectively to the needs of the scientific community and wider user community.

As part of our series of portraits, we are pleased to introduce Thierry Jeannet from Thales Alenia Space, a partner in the CARIOQA-PHB consortium.

Thierry is Programme Manager at Thales Alenia Space, where he has been leading Thales Alenia Space’s contribution to the CARIOQA-PHB project since 2025. With more than 30 years of experience in the space industry, he has developed extensive expertise in satellite development, Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT), avionics and industrial management.

Discover Thierry’s portrait, along with those of our other consortium experts, in our dedicated section.

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!

She explains how effective communication can help bridge the gap between scientific research and wider audiences, while ensuring that project results are better understood and shared.

Dimitra also highlights the role that communication can play in addressing the gender gap in the space and scientific sectors, which remain largely male-dominated. Through inclusive communication and the promotion of diverse role models, European projects can contribute to encouraging greater participation of women in science and space-related fields.

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

The acceleration measurement performed by the CARIOQA mission instrument is based on an atom interferometer accelerometer, whose test mass consists of a cloud of laser-cooled atoms. Frequency-stabilised lasers are used to trap, cool and interrogate the atoms. The laser source generates the various laser beams required for these operations.

This essential subsystem was developed by EXAIL. Commissioning and performance validation were completed successfully, with no anomalies detected. Integration with the EGSE and the microwave source, previously delivered by Tetelel and Leonardo, will take place over the coming weeks.

The team is delighted to welcome this new subsystem to the Optical Service laboratory at Auger. It marks another important milestone towards a fully functional ground-based instrument.

Discover the poster!

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.

Discover the factsheet!

As the project continues to advance the development of Europe’s future space-based quantum gravimetry mission, Newsletter #5 provides an overview of the most recent achievements, consortium activities, and collaborations that are helping to turn this ambitious vision into reality.

In this issue, readers will discover key project milestones, highlights from recent meetings and events, as well as updates on the strong industrial partnerships supporting the mission’s development. The newsletter also looks ahead to upcoming activities and opportunities for engagement with stakeholders across the European quantum and space ecosystems.

Whether you are a researcher, industry representative, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of quantum technologies in space, this new edition offers valuable insights into the progress and impact of the CARIOQA-PMP project.

Read Newsletter #5.