The International Network in Space Quantum Technologies (INSQT, 2022-02-14 to 2025-02-13) is funded by the UK Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to achieve collaborative international partnerships that draw on global talent and skills to tackle major research problems in new and innovative ways. It is a spiritual successor to the EU COST Action QTSPACE that developed the European Space Quantum Technology community. INSQT will:
- Mobilise Space Quantum Technologies (SQT) communities to tackle space engineering challenges of translating terrestrial quantum technologies to space
- Catalyse the development of Space Quantum Networks as an enabler of the quantum internet and enhanced capabilities across a variety of applications.
Space quantum technologies (SQTs) is diverse both in terms of the technologies and applications and the range of technology readiness levels spanning theory, experiment, to space engineering and applications development and include:
- Satellite Communication, e.g. QKD, entanglement distribution, quantum networking
- Space quantum sensors, e.g. inertial, electric, magnetic, gravitational sensing
- Space quantum clocks and frequency references, position, navigation, and timing
- Space cold atom systems, BECs, matter interferometry
- Space optomechanical systems, levitated or clamped
- Space quantum imaging, radar, LiDAR etc.
- Applications enhanced/enabled by distributed quantum entanglement from space
- Fundamental physics enabled by space quantum technologies
The two main strands of INSQT are: accelerate development through cooperation and collaboration across boundaries (e.g. systems, applications, science-engineering); establish a roadmap and precursor activities in the development of the space quantum internet.
The INSQT will support a range of activities including workshops, meetings, research exchanges, short visits, remote collaboration, knowledge exchange, community building, roadmaps, and whitepapers. A priority will be the support of early career researchers (ECRs) e.g. PhD students and postdocs, networking, and new collaborations.