CARIOQA-PMP quantum accelerometer simulation

Kurzfassung

Satellite gravimetry missions have been providing a global measure of Earth's mass transport for more than 20 years. This provides insights into the solid Earth, cryosphere, ocean dynamics and hydrology. Planned NASA and ESA missions will continue this observation well into the 2030s. They are likely to be based on the technology currently used on the GRACE-FO mission, with some further developments, e.g. in laser ranging technology. A higher temporal and spatial resolution of these gravity field products, currently limited to a few hundred km for 1 cm equivalent water height, is required to meet future user need. One of the limitations is related to instrumental effects, of which the accelerometer is a major aspect. Quantum-based accelerometers are a potential improvement for future missions, but the required technology readiness level (TRL) for key technologies currently precludes deployment. A European pathfinder mission is planned to increase the TRL and demonstrate the technology in space. Under the Horizon Europe funding programme, technology development and maturation are being promoted and "the [Quantum Space Gravimetry] Pathfinder mission shall be launched within this decade, paving the way for the deployment of an EU [Quantum Space Gravimetry] mission within the next decade". Within this framework, the Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometer - Pathfinder Mission Preparation (CARIOQA-PMP) project is the first step in the design and preparation of the Pathfinder mission. It identifies user needs, prepares simulation tools and develops an engineering model of the quantum accelerometer. This presentation will give an overview of the scientific activities within CARIOQA-PMP, including the link between hardware design and specification, as well as the planning for the Pathfinder mission and a future gravimetry mission. The focus will be on the elements and workflow of the simulation of the quantum sensor on a satellite platform, combining the efforts of the physics and geodesy partners. CARIOQA-PMP is a joint European project, including experts in satellite instrument development (Airbus, Exail SAS, TELETEL, LEONARDO), quantum sensing (LUH, SYRTE, LP2N, LCAR, ONERA, FORTH), space geodesy, Earth sciences and users of gravity field data (LUH, TUM, POLIMI, DTU), as well as in impact maximisation and assessment (PRAXI Network/FORTH, G.A.C. Group), coordinated by the French and German space agencies CNES and DLR under CNES lead. Funded by the European Union.