Quantum Sensing for Earth Observation: From Research to Deployment
This session showcases ongoing work in quantum sensing for Earth observation across research, industry, and government. Through a series of short presentations, organizations working on technologies, missions, and enabling infrastructure will share what they are building, testing, and deploying.
The focus is on practical progress toward real-world deployment, including demonstrations, integration with Earth observation systems, validation in operational environments, and lessons learned from early trials.
The event complements the OxTechWeek discussion on the role of quantum technologies in space by highlighting the ecosystem actively advancing these capabilities today, and by creating opportunities for collaboration across the deep-tech landscape.
This session is designed for:
Earth observation end users and mission operators
Aerospace and space system integrators
Quantum sensing researchers and technology developers
Deep-tech founders and engineers
Hardware-focused investors and venture builders
Public sector and agency representatives involved in space and sensing technologies
Agenda:
14:00 - 14:10 Welcome and Introduction (Aaron Strangfeld, IEEE QUEST)
14:10 - 14:25 Revealing Orbital and Atmospheric Responses to Solar activity — A quantum-enabled mission concept (Ravindra Desai, University of Warwick)
14:25 - 14:40 Quantum Technologies at ESA (Bruno Leone, European Space Agency)
14:40 - 14:55 Cold Atom Interferometry for Gravity Mapping (Tristan Valenzuela, RAL Space)
14:55 - 15:05 Break
15:05 - 15:20 Quantum Sensing with Warm Atomic Vapours (Mark Bason, RAL Space)
15:20 - 15:35 Quantum sensors for monitoring of the upper atmosphere (Anna Marchant, RAL Space)
15:35 - 15:45 Closing (Aaron Strangfeld, IEEE QUEST)
This event is organized by the QUEST Technical Committee of GRSS (https://www.grss-ieee.org/technical-committees/quantum-earth-science-and-technology-quest/) within the Ox Tech Week.
By signing up to this event you agree to share your details with the OxTechWeek team. This event is part of Ox Tech Week (26-29 May 2026) - a citywide celebration of technology and innovation in Oxford, UK. If you would like to already receive occasional updates about OxTechWeek subscribe here. Please note that by signing up to this event you acknowledge that it is organised separately from the OTW team and falls solely under the responsibility and liability of the partner organisation.