Quantum sensors based on cold atoms make it possible to measure gravitational and inertial forces with unprecedented accuracy and precision. Their drift-free operation promises breakthroughs in satellite gravimetry and inertial navigation – without in-flight calibration. Making this technology operational will require long-term investment from key space stakeholders. However, this requires specific domain knowledge that is difficult to obtain. In addition, a lack of instrument standardisation and comprehensive design tools make it difficult to overcome deployment barriers due to the harsh environment in a spacecraft.

The QuSSat project is developing a simulator for space-based cold atom sensors. It will provide reliable performance estimates, including the integration of realistic platform noise, as well as unique numerical models to improve mission design and streamline the development process of space-based cold atom sensors by integrating industry-standard development software. This will help to properly assess the potential of using cold atom sensors in space, enabling more accurate satellite orbit predictions, the ability to navigate in space without GNSS, and dramatically improved models of the Earth’s climate.

Benefits:

• Provision of reliable performance estimates for space-based cold atom sensors
• Numerical models to improve mission design and streamline the engineering process for space-based cold atom sensors.
• QuSSat is working: The team supported the design of the new SM3B science module installed on the ISS.

The green energy transition is progressing very slowly, jeopardising Europe’s goal of a decarbonised future. One reason is the lack of new projects to install wind or solar power. At the same time, farmers are faced with increasing areas of non-arable land due to climate change, resulting in large financial losses.

Agrario Energy addresses this critical challenge of balancing energy production and environmental sustainability by helping to transform fallow land into renewable energy production sites. The innovative software enables landowners to assess the renewable energy potential of their land and facilitates lease agreements with project developers through a simple app. The software considers factors such as planning restrictions, infrastructure and environmental conditions, derived from satellite and geospatial data, and streamlines the process for both parties. By finding the best project developer for each landowner – and vice versa – Agrario Energy is able to offer its service on a commission basis.

The benefits

• Makes large-scale renewable energy projects as easy as hiring a car online
• Independent, technology neutral and simple
• Meeting the needs of landowners and developers for best results
• Landowners are able to compare and transparently choose the developer that best fits their need

Current methods for sending spacecraft to Mars require carrying all the necessary fuel for the entire journey, from launch to the distant final orbit. Without the option of refuelling en route, this significantly increases the spacecraft’s total mass, which, in turn, demands even more fuel to overcome Earth’s gravitational forces.

A spacecraft bound for Mars, that needs just enough fuel to reach low Earth orbit for a refuelling stop, would drastically reduce the launch mass of a spacecraft. Helios is capable of paving the way for this new vision of space exploration by offering a completely new technological approach to spaceflight: high-thrust continuous electric propulsion.

In contrast to traditional electric propulsion, Helios uses a unique two-stage ionisation system, tailored to ionise a neutral gas under higher pressure conditions .This provides the technological foundation for generating high thrust with an electric propulsion system. The all-new Helios concept has been developed “without baggage”, focusing only on the desired performance outcome: the generation of high thrust.

Helios LITE is onlythe first version of the Helios thruster family, a first step in creating a new class of thrusters: Electric, highly fuel efficient and capable of generating higher thrust levels. The far-reaching, spiral trajectories that a thruster like Helios can enable for spacecraft unlock new possibilities for in-space transportation.

Benefits:

• Electric and highly fuel-efficient thrusters
• Use of a neutral gas to generate high thrust
• Reduction of the ground-to-space segment trajectory
• Continuous high-thrust electric propulsion as the basis for a space transportation ecosystem