Monarch Quantum supplies lasers for the NASA and Infleqtion space gravity sensor

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A quantum sensor designed to measure Earth's gravity from orbit has taken another step forward. Quantum Computing Report says San Diego company Monarch Quantum will supply its Integrated Quantum Light Engines to the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder mission

The light engines are compact, rugged units that combine stabilised lasers, micro optics, fibre routing and control electronics. They are used to trap and control clouds of ultracold atoms, which is the heart of the sensor

The mission is led by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and aims to fly what is described as the first space based quantum gravity gradient sensor for Earth, in low Earth orbit, with a target date of 2030. NASA has given Infleqtion, the main sensor developer, a $20 million follow on contract, bringing NASA's total commitment to $40 million

The sensor uses ultracold rubidium atoms to detect tiny changes in gravity. The aim is to track groundwater loss, melting ice sheets and changes below the surface, building on the GRACE and GRACE-FO missions. Infleqtion is building the engineering unit, which will be tested in microgravity at the Einstein Elevator drop tower in Hannover before qualification for flight

Quantum sensing is one of the areas where quantum technology could deliver real benefits soonest. Watching groundwater and ice from space has clear value for understanding the planet. The 2030 date is a target, so delays would not be surprising

Will quantum sensors deliver practical results before quantum computers do? And what would you most want a space gravity sensor to measure?

Monarch Quantum Supplies Integrated Photonics for Next Phase of NASA and Infleqtion's Space-Based Gravity Gradiometer - Quantum Computing Reportquantumcomputingreport.com