Polish Researchers Join ESA Quantum Sensor Project
Polish researchers are collaborating with Honeywell Aerospace and Quantum Brilliance on a European Space Agency (ESA) project to develop a quantum sensor capable of measuring Earth's magnetic field from orbit. The Jagiellonian University team is contributing expertise in two key areas: quantum sensors based on nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond, and ultra-sensitive magnetometry techniques.
The goal is to create a compact instrument that can accurately measure the full magnetic field vector from orbit. This would enable higher-resolution geomagnetic maps, improve radiation resilience, and allow for smaller satellite payloads.
Prototype testing will be carried out at Jagiellonian University's research infrastructure, which includes a magnetically shielded laboratory and ultra-precise optical magnetometers.