Quantum Magnetometer on board EU Space Mission Ariane 6

During its historical launch on July 9th, 2024, the Ariane 6 rocket carried a special device called a diamond-based quantum magnetometer, which was created by imo-imomec students under the OSCAR ESA-funded YPSAT project. Imomec is a joint research institute of IMEC and Hasselt University, partnering the EU-funded AMADEUS project. The magnetometer is tightly related to the imomec work in the EU-funded AMADEUS project, providing the students with technical and theoretical background. This high-tech sensor can detect magnetic fields very accurately, even at room temperature. During a short test mission on the rocket, the magnetometer measured the magnetic field along the rocket’s path as it orbited Earth twice. Initial data from the European Space Agency (ESA) showed that the device could detect the rocket’s rotation relative to Earth’s magnetic field. This helps improve navigation and orientation systems. The project not only aims to advance technology but also supports the EU’s goal of developing a skilled workforce in quantum technologies.