NASA proposes using Quantum Gravity Gradiometers (QGGs) on satellites: To monitor Earth’s changing mass distribution, particularly due to climate change effects.
QGGs leverage quantum principles: Atoms are cooled to near absolute zero and manipulated with lasers.
Detects minute gravitational changes: QGGs can measure acceleration differences as small as 10⁻¹⁵ m/s² over 1 meter.
High precision mapping: Enables precise monitoring of water, ice, and geological material movement from low Earth orbit.
Measures gravity gradients: QGGs measure the rate of change of gravitational acceleration.
Applications beyond climate: Useful in resource exploration (detecting oil/gas deposits) and detecting underground structures for geology, archaeology, and defence due to their high precision.
Atom interferometry: QGGs track ultracold atoms in free-fall, detecting phase shifts caused by gravity variations.
