Space-based quantum sensing for maritime applications

The exciting progress of quantum sensing in laboratory experiments have prompted a worldwide effort to develop robust portable systems that can be used in real-life applications.

An example is atom interferometry, where clouds of atoms are put into free-fall in the gravitational field of the Earth to make precision measurements such as of gravity and gravity gradients.

Atom interferometry in space, which brings several advantages including suppression of significant noise sources while allowing operation with long measurement times, is increasingly considered for a variety of use cases ranging from remote Earth observation to positioning and navigation systems, particularly in the maritime domain where it could perform tasks such as environment and infrastructure monitoring, mapping of underwater regions, navigation, and resource exploration.

However, major challenges persist.

The disruptive sensitivities needed for those applications usually result in low-technological-readiness systems that are not compatible with the lightness and compactness requirements for satellite deployment.

Furthermore, space-based quantum sensors should be capable of functioning accurately in dynamic environments and microgravity conditions.

In addition, procedures and operational concepts for optimal data extraction to improve interpretability of space-gravity data need to be developed to inform the ideal sensing schemes for bringing benefit to practical end uses.

The aim of this project, which will be conducted in partnership with Thales, is to build a comprehensive model of a quantum sensor operating from space that could serve as a platform to assess the feasibility of various use cases relevant to maritime applications.

It will include the following objectives: (i) development of a space-operated quantum sensor model and model-informed feasibility assessment of several use cases relevant to maritime applications; (ii) In-depth analysis of the selected use case(s) to determine the critical factors that need to be addressed to achieve the desired performance levels, with a particular emphasis on accuracy, sensitivity and resilience, including investigation of operational and data capture concepts for space-borne gravimetry and gradiometry; (iii) investigation of new techniques capable to mitigate these factors, such as proposing new sensor designs, improving data processing algorithms, and exploring multi-sensor integration strategies.