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.

This visit provided an opportunity to produce a dedicated video presenting the CARIOQA-PHB project, its main objectives and challenges, as well as the strategic role played by Thales Alenia Space in the industrial development of the technologies associated with the CARIOQA mission.

The video also offers valuable insight into the collaboration between research and industry in support of innovation in the space sector and the advancement of future in-orbit technologies.

Discover the video to learn more about the ambitions of the CARIOQA-PHB project and Thales Alenia Space’s contribution to this pioneering mission.

The meetings enabled partners to refine technical requirements, address constraints, and strengthen coordination through face-to-face co-engineering sessions at Leonardo and Exail facilities. These exchanges proved essential for improving efficiency and aligning subsystem development with overall mission goals.

Download the full PDF for more details.

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.

In this webinar we explored the rapidly evolving field of quantum accelerometers for space applications, highlighting their potential in Earth observation and fundamental physics.

The current state of the art was reviewed, including the Cold Atom Lab (CAL) on the International Space Station (ISS), which studies ultra-cold quantum gases in microgravity. Despite this progress, space-qualified quantum accelerometers remain in early development.

Key instrument components were discussed, such as cold atom sources, laser systems, microwave fields, vacuum chambers, and ultra-stable electronics—all requiring adaptation for space conditions.

Compared to ground-based systems, space-based sensors must operate autonomously in microgravity. Major challenges include increasing atom flux, compensating for satellite motion, and ensuring robustness. A critical trade-off exists between instrument sensitivity and cost. Environmental disturbances—radiation, temperature variations, and vibrations—pose additional risks, requiring mitigation strategies like shielding and thermal control.

Finally, the importance of dedicated satellite platforms and microgravity test environments (e.g., drop towers, aircraft, sounding rockets, and the ISS) was emphasized, along with the need to translate laboratory experiments into reliable space systems.

CARIOQA-PMP extends its warm thanks to Naceur Gaaloul (LUH), Stephan Seidel (AIRBUS) and Lisa Wörner (DLR), who served as expert panelists, and to Thomas Lévêque (CNES) for moderating the discussion.