Advancing Interplanetary Navigation with Quantum Inertial Sensors

Recent advances in quantum technology are opening new frontiers for space applications, particularly through the integration of quantum inertial sensors. Cold atom interferometry (CAI)-based quantum inertial sensors exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to deliver drift-free and precise measurements of non-gravitational accelerations and rotation rates. Their sensitivity is expected to improve substantially in space, where longer interrogation times are achievable under microgravity conditions. These sensors have the potential to significantly enhance spacecraft navigation, especially for deep space and interplanetary missions. The goal of this work is to evaluate the benefit of the quantum inertial sensor for future space navigation. We begin by presenting results from quantum-based navigation in Earth orbit. The analysis is then extended to assess their potential application in the navigation of a future lunar mission. Finally, we explore the prospects of employing these sensors for interplanetary trajectory navigation.

We develop a comprehensive in-orbit performance model for Mach-Zehnder-type quantum inertial sensors, accounting for detection noise, quantum projection noise, laser frequency noise, wavefront aberration, contrast loss, and environmental effects such as rotation and gravity gradients. We simulate a spacecraft in a parking orbit around Earth and along an Earth-to-Moon trajectory, modeling quantum inertial sensor measurements throughout the flight and considering their hybridization with conventional sensors. We then investigate the impact of different assumptions about sensors, their characteristics, their configuration onboard the spacecraft, and the rotation compensation methods on the performance of the inertial navigation in space. Moreover, we investigate the performance of quantum sensors during challenging situations and under harsh environments in space. 

This work is supported by the SpaceQNav project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Project 50NA2310A.