Abstract

We are at the start of a quantum space race with pioneering results in bringing quantum physics to space recently achieved. China’s Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) satellite, also known as Micius, successfully performed entanglement distribution, quantum teleportation, and quantum cryptography to and from orbit. The MAIUS 1 mission produced the first Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) in space opening up new possibilities for next generation space quantum clocks and cold atom science. These proof-of-principle demonstrations show the potential for advances in timing, navigation, remote sensing, fundamental science, as well as building the infrastructure for a global quantum internet. In this talk, I will give an overview of the efforts to bring quantum science and technology into space. In particular, I will discuss how CubeSats, kg-class spacecraft, may play a role in this rapidly developing movement.