MAIUS ― Atom-optical experiments on sounding rockets

Introduction

The next big leap towards space within the QUANTUS collaboration will be the indroduction of atom-optical experiments on sounding rockets performing parabola flights with an apogee of 250 km above the ground. MAIUS will be launched using a VSB-30 sounding rocket to show the feasibility of experiments with ultra-cold gases on rocket missions. Keypoints of this project are the development of new technologies for further miniaturisation of laser systems (see LASUS) and vacuum components, new ideas for capturing and manipulating atoms and a full automatisation of a quantum sensor.