About the Quantum Pathfinder Mission

To secure the leadership of the European Union on quantum technology in space, the ambition of CARIOQA-PMP is, first and foremost, to prepare a Quantum Pathfinder Mission for space gravimetry to be launched before the end of the decade. The overarching goal of this Quantum Pathfinder Mission will focus on the operation of a complete quantum accelerometer and the characterisation of its performance and limitations in space. Thus, this mission will verify the maturity and performance of key technologies (e.g. BEC creation, rotation compensation) necessary to develop ultra-sensitive sensors operable on a satellite. As a result, validating the technology on the Quantum Pathfinder Mission will enable Europe to build ultra-sensitive sensors for ambitious Post-Pathfinder Missions in a second step.