There's a new high-tech solution provided by this company that is using quantum technology to provide a state-of-the-art technical solution capable of creating ultra-sensitive ‘cold atoms’ in space. Laboratory experiments have shown cold atoms can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the Earth’s surface.

Clyde Space, a European manufacturer of miniature satellites, announced a partnership with conglomerate Teledyne e2v to deliver a world-first in satellite technology. Craig Clark MBE, Clyde Space CEO, said in conjunction with Teledyne e2v that they will create a new wave of space applications.

With a high-tech solution provided by Clyde Space, the project team led by Teledyne e2v working with research partner the University of Birmingham, is using quantum technology to provide a state-of-the-art technical solution capable of creating ultra-sensitive ‘cold atoms’ in space.  The project is funded by Innovate UK, the ‘UK’s innovation agency’ and also includes leading edge technology from project partners Gooch & Housego, XCAM, Covesion and the University of Southampton.

Applications for instruments based on this technology include more accurate monitoring of changes in polar ice mass, ocean currents and sea level, the ability to monitor underground water resources and discover new underground natural resource deposits which are currently not detectable. The technology will also be used for deep space navigation and for providing higher precision timing sources in space. 

Laboratory experiments have shown cold atoms can be used as ultra-sensitive sensors capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the earth’s surface. That will now be replicated in space through the Clyde Space-Teledyne e2v partnership with the Cold Atom Space Payload (CASPA) mission, the world’s first free-flying on-orbit demonstration for cold atom based science missions. It paves the way for cold atom instruments to be used in space.

Craig said that pioneering innovative solutions is at the core of everything they do. They are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible with small spacecraft, as are Teledyne with quantum technology. Their customers have ambitious missions for an ever-expanding range of applications. It’s their job to enable the realization of their pursuits, through the provision of highly progressive nanosatellite capabilities.

He continued that they are delighted to provide their technical solution in support of Teledyne e2v’s vision for the commercialization of quantum technologies. They are constantly innovating, as it has been their focus since day one and it’s a big part of the reason for their success.

The revolutionary technology is based on new developments in quantum technology that have resulted in the ability to cool atoms close to absolute zero making the cold atoms ultra-sensitive and capable of mapping tiny changes in the strength of gravity across the surface of the Earth. 

Trevor Cross, ‎Group Chief Technology Officer at Teledyne e2v, commented that quantum technology is giving them new abilities in a wide range of markets and applications. Their partnership with Clyde Space is representative of the collaboration required to commercialize the technology and really maximize the benefits of Quantum in industry. They are so pleased that the new Clyde Space 6U platform is gaining further traction in the marketplace.

The CASPA mission is the latest project to recognize Clyde Space’s leading-edge CubeSat technology and the far-reaching impact it has had in making satellites more accessible and affordable.

Its success earned it the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation Category earlier this year. Clyde Space is backed by Scottish investment companies Coralinn LLP and Nevis Capital.