Quantum Space Gravimetry Phase-A Study
The final objective of this call is the selection of a Quantum Space Gravimetry pathfinder mission. To achieve this objective, two phase-A proposals for a feasibility study, as specified in ECSS‐M‐ST‐10C, will be selected. The scope of this topic covers in particular the system and operations concept of the pathfinder mission leading to a technical solution deployable before the end of the decade. A particular attention will be drawn on the analysis of the critical technologies and components necessary to deploy this mission, and proposals shall address the technological maturation necessary to meet this objective, based on EU solutions. The proposals will detail the reviews organised under the study. These reviews, organised by the consortium, will be open to European Commission’s and ESA’s experts. Each study will conclude with a Preliminary Requirement Review.
Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission Statement:
The goals of the quantum space gravimetry (QSG) pathfinder mission are:
- to consolidate the leadership of the European Union know-how in Quantum Sensing for Space and
- to demonstrate key technologies, their viability and related performances.
Necessary for the later deployment of a full QSG mission (e.g. (e.g. Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) technology, rotation compensation, etc.), and pave the way to future space-based applications and services enabled by its data.
The focus of the QSG pathfinder mission shall be on the operation of a complete quantum accelerometer system and the detailed characterization of its performance in space. The results of the pathfinder mission, demonstrating the European Union capabilities and validating the technology, shall enable the development of ultra-sensitive sensors for an ambitious post-pathfinder QSG mission in the next step.
The QSG pathfinder mission shall be launched within this decade, paving the way for the deployment of an EU QSG mission within the next decade. The technology developed shall foster the EU non-dependence and leadership in this domain.
In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.