Quantum technologies build on the study of the smallest particles of energy and matter to collect, generate, and process information in ways not achievable with existing technologies. Quantum is a broad group of technologies that has the potential to unlock enormous opportunity enabling a wide range of applications, from more accurate ways of sensing the environment to revolutionizing computing.
The power of quantum technology is focused on the ability to manipulate unique properties of atoms. Potential applications include communication solutions (time keeping for banking, GPS), coded satellite-based transmissions (“quantum cryptography”), and very sensitive sensors for faster computers and improved communications, navigation, and healthcare.
Space-based quantum technologies research will benefit from the vacuum of space, a lack of outside interference, and perhaps most uniquely, from access to microgravity. In space, the application of the new techniques being developed in the fields of quantum mechanics can take advantage of the extremely low-noise and low-gravity conditions.
These conditions allow scientists to explore the boundaries of our understanding of nature, including testing the existence of states of matter in which certain properties like, viscosity, conductivity and mechanical motion can only be described by quantum mechanics rather than standard classical mechanics. The ISS provides scientists with a platform for executing experiments that examine quantum phenomenon that are extremely difficult, or even impossible, to study on Earth.
Our initial plan is to provide access to facilities on station for studying Bose-Einstein condensates; however, researchers are invited to come to us with other opportunities requiring access to low Earth orbit.