STE-QUEST -- Space Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence principle Space Test: The 2022 medium-class mission concept

Understand

Space-borne quantum technologies, particularly those based on atom interferometry, are heralding a new era of strategic and robust space exploration.

• The unique conditions of space, characterized by low noise and low gravity environments, open up diverse possibilities for applications ranging from precise time and frequency transfer to Earth Observation and the search of new Physics.
• In this paper, we summarise the M-class mission proposal in response to the 2022 call in ESA's science program: Space-Time Explorer and Quantum Equivalence Principle Space Test (STE-QUEST).
• It consists in a satellite mission featuring a dual-species atom interferometer operating over extended durations.