HORIZON EUROPE: Quantum technologies for space gravimetry

Expected Outcome

• Support the EU space policy and the green deal by paving the way for the deployment of a future EU Earth observation mission making use of quantum gravimetry

• Ensure EU non-dependence for the development of capacities leading to the availability of quantum space gravimetry

• Enhance the TRL of all (critical) components necessary to build quantum gravimetry for space

These outcomes will contribute to securing the autonomy of supply for critical technologies and equipment, and fostering the EU’s space sector competitiveness, in line with the Expected Impact of the destination.

Proposals must address all the above-mentioned, expected outcomes.

Scope

The scope of this topic is the development of EU technologies and components for a space quantum gravimeter or gradiometer (this may include hybrid sensors, relying both on quantum and classical technologies) and which will lead to the development of an Engineering Model and its potential qualification for a pathfinder mission.

The enhancement of the TRL up to TRL5 for cold atom interferometry (including Bose-Einstein Condensates) components is a key objective of this call. The scope also covers the development of software simulation tools to analyse the different gravimetry mission concepts linked to these sensors or processing and analysis of the sensor data. This also includes the development and/or use of testbeds such as the Einstein elevator or any other system used to recreate or simulate the space environment (including airborne testing) to test quantum gravimeters technology components.

The priority for this topic is the development of the technology leading to the deployment of a pathfinder mission based on cold atom interferometry demonstrating the gravimetric performance.

The proposals should answer the whole scope of this topic.