  A strong potential gain for space applications is expected from the
anticipated performances of inertial sensors based on cold atom interferometry
(CAI) that measure the acceleration of freely falling independent atoms by
manipulating them with laser light. In this context, CNES and its partners
initiated a phase 0 study, called CARIOQA, in order to develop a Quantum
Pathfinder Mission unlocking key features of atom interferometry for space and
paving the way for future ambitious space missions utilizing this technology.
As a cornerstone for the implementation of quantum sensors in space, the
CARIOQA phase 0 aimed at defining the Quantum Pathfinder Mission's scenario and
associated performance objectives. To comply with these objectives, the payload
architecture has been designed to achieve long interrogation time and active
rotation compensation on a BEC-based atom interferometer. A study of the
satellite architecture, including all the subsystems, has been conducted.
Several technical solutions for propulsion and attitude control have been
investigated in order to guarantee optimal operating conditions (limitation of
micro-vibrations, maximization of measurement time). A preliminary design of
the satellite platform was performed.
