MaQuIs—Concept for a Mars Quantum Gravity Mission

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2023.105800
• Publication Date: 2023-10-31T09:51:56Z
• Authors: L. Wörner; B.C. Root; P. Bouyer; C. Braxmaier; D. Dirkx; J. Encarnação; E. Hauber; H. Hussmann; Ö. Karatekin; A. Koch; L. Kumanchik; F. Migliaccio; M. Reguzzoni; B. Ritter; M. Schilling; C. Schubert; C. Thieulot; W.v. Klitzing; O. Witasse
• Keywords: Gravimetry; Martian lithosphere; 550; Space and Planetary Science; Quantum technologies; Taverne; Cold atom research; Water; 523; Astronomy and Astrophysics; Quantum technologies, Cold atom research, Gravimetry, Geodesy, Martian lithosphere, Water; Geodesy

The aim of this paper is to present the concept of a dedicated gravity field mission for the planet Mars, the Mars Quantum Gravity Mission (MaQuIs).The mission is targeted at improving the data on the gravitational field of Mars, enabling studies on planetary dynamics, seasonal changes, and subsurface water reservoirs.MaQuIs follows well known mission scenarios, currently deployed for Earth, and includes state-of-the-art quantum technologies to enhance the gained scientific signal.