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International audience; Recent developments in quantum technology have resulted in a new generation of sensors for measuring inertial quantities, such as acceleration and rotation. These sensors can exhibit unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy when operated in space, where the free-fall interrogation time can be extended at will and where the environment noise is minimal. European laboratories have played a leading role in this field by developing concepts and tools to operate these quantum sensors in relevant environment, such as parabolic flights, free-fall towers, or sounding rockets. With the recent achievement of Bose–Einstein condensation on the International Space Station, the challenge is now to reach a technology readiness level sufficiently high at both component and system levels to provide “off the shelf” payload for future generations of space missions in geodesy or fundamental physics. In this roadmap, we provide an extensive review on the status of all common parts, needs, and subsystems for the application of atom-based interferometers in space, in order to push for the development of generic technology components.

Employing quantum sensors in field or in space implies demanding requirements on the used components and integration technologies. Within our work on compact atomic sensors, we develop miniaturized, ultra-stable optical setups for optical cooling and trapping of cold atomic gases on atom chips. Besides challenging demands on alignment precision and thermo-mechanical durability, we specifically address ultra-high vacuum (UHV) compatibility of our adhesive integration technology and the assembled optical components. A prototype of an UHV-compatible, crossed beam optical dipole trap at 1064 nm for application within a cold rubidium atomic quantum sensor currently in development at the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut fur Hochstfrequenztechnik is described. We describe the design and first qualification efforts on adhesive micro-integration technologies. These tests are conducted in application-relevant geometries and material combinations common for micro-integrated optical setups. Adhesive aging will be investigated by thermal cycling and radiation exposure. For vacuum compatibility testing, a versatile UHV testing system for samples up to $$65\times 65\,\text{mm}^2$$ footprint is currently being set up, enabling residual gas analysis, temperature cycling up to $$200\,^{\circ }\text{C}$$ and measurement of total gas rates down to expected $$5\times 10^{-10}\,\text{mbar}\,\text{l/s}$$ at a base pressure of $$10^{-11}\,\text{mbar}$$, exceeding the common ASTM E595 test.

Abstract We report on an improved test of the Universality of Free Fall using a rubidium-potassium dual-species matter wave interferometer. We describe our apparatus and detail challenges and solutions relevant when operating a potassium interferometer, as well as systematic effects affecting our measurement. Our determination of the Eötvös ratio yields ηRb,K = −1.9 × 10−7 with a combined standard uncertainty of ση = 3.2 × 10−7. Graphical abstract

In Formula Student (FS) / Formula SAE (FSAE) competitions students build single seat formula race-cars with which they compete against teams from all over the world. Despite static disciplines such as cost reports, teams compete in multiple dynamic disciplines driving the car. An important set of rules deals with the necessary prerequisites for a driver to enter a discipline and the maximum amount of runs each registered driver is allowed to drive. So far these rules have not been enforced adequately by most international events. In this paper we present the design and implementation of a prototype system using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) technology to document and check compliance with the rules. We share experience gained during a prototype trial during the Formula Student Germany