Q-GEO - Quantum Gravimetry for Earth Observation

The Quantum Gravimetry for Earth Observation (Q-GEO) project will study the use of quantum atomic gravity gradiometers for space-based measurements.

Earth Observation (EO) of gravitational anomalies on land and in the oceans can reveal activity in the hydro-, cryo-, and atmosphere. Gravity detectors in low-earth orbit can already measure Essential Climate Variables like melting of large ice masses and the reduction of ground water levels in drought affected regions. Improved performance will enable flood and drought forecasting, assessment of coastal vulnerability, monitoring sea level rise, and tracking changes in the atmosphere and oceans.

Non-invasive geo-surveying of structures under the ground has a huge range of applications in civil engineering and infrastructure maintenance, as well as for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration.

This project will revolve around using populations of cold atoms to provide improved accuracy and stability for gravity gradient measurements. A key challenge for any technology for use in space is the harsh operating environment that is presented on standard satellite buses. A core output of this project will be a technology roadmap for deployable space-based cold atom gravity gradiometers.

The Q-GEO team will work closely with UK government stakeholders who will benefit from the improvements in Earth observation that this new range of sensors will provide.