CAITDM: Cold Atom Interferometer Thermosphere Drag Measurement

CAITDM aims to build a fully functional breadboard model of a linear accelerometer based on a cold atom interferometer designed to accurately measure the drag suffered by a 16U CubeSat. Gaps in the knowledge of the dynamics of the spatial and temporal fluctuations of the upper atmosphere density have been identified, and the density of the upper atmosphere has an impact on the lifetime of low earth orbiting satellite due to the non-negligible drag that, unless they are provided with a propulsion mechanism, slows the satellites making them lose altitude and eventually re-entry.

Metamorphic’s role in this project has focused on the development of radically new and innovative design methods for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. Our team’s unique expertise and insight into engineering design and history of working in the QT space enables the abstraction, consolidation and spatial miniaturisation of complex vacuum and supporting sub-assemblies, down to the absolute fundamental geometric requirements, enabling a new “ultra-portable” phase of quantum technologies required by space applications

CAIDTM is lead by RAL Space and funded by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI) as part of the £9 million funding for satellite instruments to monitor climate.