QMSat (UdeSat)

QMSat []

QMSat (Quantum Magneto Satellite), also called UdeSat, is a technological demonstration CubeSat (2U) built by the Université de Sherbrooke for the in-orbit demonstration of a quantum magnetometer.

In-orbit demonstration of a quantum magnetometer. The operation of the magnetometer depends largely on the material properties of the diamond resulting from the structure of the carbon atoms that compose it. With many of these satellites, it would be possible to map the Earth's magnetic field. Thus, the analysis of the data collected will make it possible to predict the location of a future lightning bolt, earthquakes, solar flares and even find a submarine sunk in the open sea.

Quantum magnetometer, based on a nitrogen-vacancy diamond, would allow 3d vectorial measurements of the earth’s magnetic field with a resolution that is estimated to be 2 orders of magnitude better than traditional, 1-axis magnetometer.

It was launched in March 2024 onboard of Dragon CRS-30 to the ISS, where it will be deployed later from the Kibo airlock.