GSTP Quantum Technologies Workshop: Cold Atom Interferometers (CAI)
The General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) is hosting an in-person workshop dedicated to upcoming Quantum Technologies for Space Applications activities, with a particular focus on Cold Atom Interferometers (CAI) and their applications in future space missions.
Designed for European industry, SMEs, research institutes and academia, the workshop will provide a detailed overview of future mission needs, planned GSTP developments and opportunities for organisations to collaborate and form consortia for upcoming activities.
Participants will gain insight into how quantum technologies could support future Earth Observation, Human and Robotic Exploration, Science missions, resilient navigation and advanced space sensing applications.
GSTP Activities in CAI
The workshop will present the GSTP portfolio of CAI-related activities, discuss future application needs across ESA missions, provide more detailed information on upcoming payload development opportunities, and offer dedicated sessions to facilitate partnerships and consortium building among participating organisations.
Cold atom interferometers are emerging as a key enabling technology for highly precise inertial sensing and metrology. Developing these systems requires expertise across a wide range of technologies and subsystems, creating opportunities for companies and research organisations from multiple sectors. Examples include ultra-cold atom sources, laser systems for cooling and manipulating atoms, compact vacuum chambers, atom detection systems, control electronics, inertial reference platforms and payload integration technologies.
+A compact vacuum chamber is a critical component for the realisation of a compact atom interferometer sensor system for inertial sensing and metrology. The development of laser-cooled atom (Rb) interferometry systems requires the integration of several subsystems, including: laser systems for cooling, manipulating (atom optics), and detecting (e.g. by fluorescence) ensembles of atomic species; atom traps and atom beam sources; vacuum chamber with optical windows; atom detection systems. Separate activites developed the required laser systems, while this activity focused on the development of the vacuum chamber where the atom interferometry measurement takes place. (Credit: RAL/ ESA)
Recognising the significance of quantum technologies, ESA marked them as a strategic priority in its 2025 Agenda. To support this, in 2021 the Agency initiated the Quantum Technology Cross Cutting Initiative (QT-CCI). This initiative aims to identify strategic interests, promote collaboration among ESA member states, industry and academia, and enhance technology readiness, including testing, development, and demonstrating applications.
To efficiently tackle different topics, the QT-CCI has divided quantum technology into nine interest areas, encompassing atomic frequency standards, quantum computing, cryptography, communication, and sensing techniques, among others.
Together, these activities aim to mature the critical building blocks required for future quantum inertial sensors and navigation systems, helping to accelerate the adoption of cold atom interferometry for both space and terrestrial applications.
The webinar will cover the following topics:
- ESA's portfolio of GSTP Quantum Technologies activities related to Cold Atom Interferometers (CAI).
- Future mission needs for CAI technologies across Earth Observation, Human and Robotic Exploration, and Science applications.
- Upcoming GSTP Element 1 Develop Compendia 2026-2028 – Bundle 7 opportunities for Cold Atom Interferometer payload development, including a more detailed technical overview of the planned activities.
- Dedicated networking sessions designed to help organisations identify partners and form consortia for future proposals.
- Open discussions with industry and research organisations to gather feedback, address technical questions and exchange recommendations.
Together, these sessions will provide participants with a clearer understanding of future ESA needs, upcoming development opportunities and the partnerships required to mature key CAI technologies for future space missions.
Registration: Required
Who can attend: European industry, SMEs, research organisations and academia
Date: 10 November 2026
Location: Erasmus High Bay, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Format: In-person workshop
Registration link: GSTP Quantum Technologies - Cold Atom Interferometers (CAI) Workshop for Industry - 10 November 2026.