On December 14th, 2022, we participated to the CARIOQA-PMP project (Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometry – Pathfinder Mission Preparation) kick-off meeting. This project has been funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program and has the aim to develop such a quantum sensor for space application.

CARIOQA-PMP aims at developing a new technology to be used in space within the next decade: a quantum gravimeter/accelerometer. Such technology will be used for satellite-based Earth science in order to monitor climate change and thus support the development of mitigation and adaptation measures. The technology developed within the CARIOQA-PMP framework aims to be tested during a spatial mission: the Quantum Pathfinder Mission.

The project is coordinated by CNES and will run for the next 3 years. It brings together leading players from five EU countries. Further information at the official project website.