SBQuantum has secured a nearly $1 million USD (€800,000) contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an advanced quantum magnetometer prototype for Earth Observation (EO) missions. The 21-month project, funded through ESA’s FutureEO Programme, builds upon prior feasibility studies and will deliver a sensor maintaining current size and weight while achieving sub-100 Picotesla sensitivity, 400 Hz bandwidth, and 200 Picotesla accuracy. This upgraded device leverages quantum diamond sensing to meet ESA’s requirements for enhanced magnetic field monitoring, contributing to improved data acquisition for tracking ocean currents, temperatures, and other critical terrestrial changes.
SBQuantum Secures ESA Contract for Quantum Sensor Development
SBQuantum has secured a nearly $1 million USD (€800,000) contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an enhanced quantum magnetometer sensor. This builds on prior ESA collaboration and momentum from the MagQuest Challenge, a competition focused on Earth’s magnetic field monitoring. The new prototype will maintain current size and weight while significantly improving performance – aiming for sub-100 Picotesla sensitivity, 400 Hz bandwidth, and 200 Picotesla accuracy – crucial specifications for advanced Earth Observation missions.
This ESA contract underscores growing interest in adapting quantum technologies for spaceborne applications. SBQuantum’s diamond-based magnetometer offers a potentially disruptive alternative to traditional sensors, promising more precise measurements of Earth’s magnetic field. Beyond observation, these sensors could enable applications like attitude control for spacecraft, rover guidance on other planets, and enhanced intelligence gathering – all from compact, cost-effective cube satellites.
Canada’s unique cooperation agreement with ESA played a key role in securing this funding. The contract, spanning 21 months, follows a feasibility study and is supported by the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Technology Development Program. SBQuantum’s work aligns with a global trend of increasing government investment – approximately $3.5 billion annually – in space-focused technology startups, highlighting the strategic importance of quantum sensing for future missions.
Enhanced Magnetometer Performance for Earth Observation Missions
SBQuantum recently secured a nearly $1 million USD contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an enhanced quantum magnetometer for Earth Observation (EO) missions. This builds upon prior work and aims to prove the feasibility of deploying this advanced sensor in space. The upgraded device maintains current size and weight while targeting a sensitivity of sub 100 Picotesla, a bandwidth of 400 Hz, and accuracy of 200 Picotesla – key improvements for detailed magnetic field mapping from orbit.
This enhanced performance is crucial for a range of Earth observation applications. Accurate magnetic field measurements can provide insights into ocean currents, geomagnetic anomalies, and even subtle changes in subsurface geological structures. ESA’s investment demonstrates a clear need for more precise data, moving beyond limitations of current magnetometer technology. The project also benefits from Canadian Space Agency support, highlighting international collaboration in advancing space-based quantum sensing.
SBQuantum’s approach utilizes diamond-based quantum magnetometers, a technology tested at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. These sensors are compact enough for deployment on small CubeSats, reducing mission costs and increasing accessibility to detailed geomagnetic data. Beyond EO, this technology has potential for attitude control, rover guidance on other planets, and various security applications, solidifying its value as a versatile tool for both scientific and practical endeavors.
Funding and Support Driving Quantum Sensing Advancements
Funding from agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency is critically driving advancements in quantum sensing technology. SBQuantum recently secured a nearly $1 million USD contract with ESA to develop an enhanced quantum magnetometer for Earth Observation. This builds on prior ESA funding and momentum from the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s ‘MagQuest Challenge’. These investments aren’t just about research; they’re about rapidly prototyping and space-qualifying devices capable of sub-100 Picotesla sensitivity and 400 Hz bandwidth.
ESA dedicates over €600 million annually to R&D, with a significant portion supporting innovative sensor technologies. Globally, approximately $3.5 billion in government funding is now available annually for space-based tech startups. SBQuantum’s success also highlights the Canada–ESA Program, enabling access to European space markets and yielding follow-on sales potentially worth three times the initial contract value. This demonstrates how international collaboration and strategic funding accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge quantum sensors.
The push for space-based quantum magnetometers isn’t limited to Earth observation. ESA and SBQuantum are exploring applications ranging from attitude control for spacecraft to guiding planetary rovers. The compact size of these sensors allows for deployment on small, cost-effective cube satellites, making detailed geophysical data more accessible. This, combined with advanced interpretation algorithms, unlocks potential for enhanced intelligence gathering, public safety, and security applications, indicating a broad impact beyond scientific research.
Source: https://sbquantum.com/esa_pr2/
