Cold Atom Lab Upgrade Studies Dark Matter, Quantum Physics 

Principal Investigator(s): 

• Jason Williams, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

Overview: 

The Cold Atom Laboratory examines investigates quantum phenomena by cooling atoms to near absolute zero. Two hardware upgrades launched on NG-24 expand the laboratory's capabilities on the International Space Station. The SM-3X module collects more atoms and provides greater flexibility for quantum experiments, while the HXM-1 module upgrades the electronics powering the magnetic systems to support the new capabilities. NG-24 is scheduled to be the final resupply mission for the Cold Atom Laboratory. 

Science objectives: 

• Create Bose-Einstein Condensates (a state of matter where quantum properties become visible at larger scales) five times larger than previous modules  

• Study ultra-cold Potassium and Rubidium atoms in microgravity  

• Test Einstein's relativity principles and investigate fundamental questions about dark matter and dark energy 

Potential Earth applications: 

• May be a stepping stone to future understanding of atomic behaviors and how to harness atomic states for humanity 

• Could help support a quantum economy, including new technologies for space navigation, quantum computing, and quantum communications 

• Aims to advance fundamental understanding of quantum phenomena with applications across multiple fields 

Potential space applications: 

• Could enable high-precision navigation technologies for deep space missions  

• May advance fundamental understanding of gravity and time relevant to long-duration spaceflight  

• Aims to support development of quantum-based systems for future exploration missions