A quantum sensor to map Earth's gravity from space

Europe intends to put new types of instruments into orbit to measure Earth's gravity. Based on atoms cooled to low temperatures, such quantum accelerometers have never before been used in orbit.

Measure Earth's gravity with unprecedented precision and track major mass movements, such as underground lava or sea level rise; This is the promise of quantum accelerometers. We still need to be able to make them work in space. For this reason, the French and German space agencies and their partners will design the Carioca technology demonstration mission. This should carry quantum accelerometers into space by 2030, which would be the first of its kind. If the devices prove effective, larger missions could be launched as early as 2040. Atoms are cooled to above absolute zero. An accelerometer is an instrument capable of measuring