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AIAA SciTech Forum

Accelerating the Deployment of Space-Based Quantum Sensors

Grace C. Ray, Dale C. Arney, Katelyn Christein, Travis Ashurst, Wilbert A. Ruperto, Jessica S. Friz, Mark R. Pankow, Jean-Philippe Blaudeau, Merri Sanchez, Eunsook Hwang

Published Jan 3, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The Space Science and Technology Partnership Forum (S&T Forum), comprised of an interagency team from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the United States Space Force, presents findings and recommendations from a study on the state of quantum sensors for space applications, enabling component technologies, facilities, and developers across government, industry, and academia. The following five areas of quantum sensing technology (listed in alphabetical order) were identified as being of near-term interest to all three S&T Forum agencies: atomic clocks, atom interferometers, quantum magnetometers, Rydberg sensors, and single photon detectors. This paper focuses on two recommendations: 1) increased collaboration between the S&T Forum, industry, and academia on the development of enabling components for the five quantum sensing technology areas, and 2) challenges and future opportunities to take quantum sensors from the laboratory to space. Through this study, the S&T Forum found a diverse and broad community of quantum sensing developers in the United States that are leading efforts in research, testing, manufacturing, and qualification of quantum sensors and their enabling component technologies. There are common needs across quantum sensing technology areas. To address the common needs, the S&T Forum agencies are encouraged to utilize existing models and mechanisms to enable co-development of enabling component technologies and to explore new avenues for engagement with the quantum sensing community.

DOI
10.2514/6.2025-1414

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Sensors based on quantum mechanical properties of light and matter offer unique capabilities and performance sometimes difficult to achieve using classical approaches. NASA Engineering and Safety Center has convened an independent external panel, comprised of Quantum Sensing Experts from the Government, DoD, academia, and Federally funded Research and Development Centers to conduct an independent technical assessment of the agency's capabilities in Quantum Sensing to understand NASA's internal needs and competencies related to Quantum Sensing and compare agency capabilities with those available externally including industry, academia, and other government agencies. This assesses focused on suitability of quantum sensing for current and future NASA needs. Measurement and sensing needs across NASA were reviewed as a driver for the possible incorporation of existing quantum sensors into the NASA portfolio and the development of next-generation quantum sensors. This presentation will describe a set of findings and recommendations to guide future investment and activity at NASA in this important and growing technology area.
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