NASA
Quantum Physics
Quantum Computing
Quantum Information Science
By Jacqueline Ane
May 8, 2023
World Quantum Day is an international, community-driven event on April 14 to spark interest and generate enthusiasm for quantum mechanics. The National Quantum Coordination Office, part of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is excited to participate in World Quantum Day, along with agencies across the Federal government. Credit: National Quantum Coordination Office
On April 14th, 2021, the world celebrated the second annual World Quantum Day. It's a day to commemorate the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and its applications in our daily lives. As we move further into the 21st century, quantum technology is gradually transitioning from a theoretical science to an indispensable tool for solving some of the most pressing problems of our time. NASA, the United States' premier space agency, is leading the charge in embracing the quantum age.
NASA has a long history of pioneering scientific research, from launching the first satellite, Sputnik, to landing humans on the Moon. Now, NASA is investing heavily in quantum technology research to maintain its position at the forefront of scientific discovery. In recent years, NASA has made significant strides in leveraging quantum computing to improve space exploration, develop new materials, and solve complex computational problems.
One of the most promising areas of quantum technology research is quantum computing. Classical computers store and process information in bits, which can only have a value of either 0 or 1. In contrast, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, allows quantum computers to perform calculations that are impossible for classical computers.
NASA is partnering with technology companies, such as IBM and Google, to develop and test quantum computers. In 2018, NASA announced a new quantum computing lab at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility, which houses a 512-qubit quantum computer built by Google. NASA's quantum computing research is focused on solving computational problems that are relevant to space exploration, such as simulating the behavior of molecules and materials under extreme conditions and optimizing spacecraft trajectories.
Another area of quantum technology research that NASA is exploring is quantum sensing. Quantum sensors can detect and measure extremely small changes in the environment, such as changes in magnetic fields or gravitational forces. This technology has significant applications in space exploration, where accurate measurements are crucial for navigation, mapping, and studying the universe.
In 2017, NASA launched the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL), which uses laser cooling and trapping techniques to create the coldest spot in the universe. The CAL can cool atoms down to a temperature of just a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero, allowing researchers to study the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures. The CAL's experiments could lead to new insights into fundamental physics and the development of new technologies, such as ultra-precise atomic clocks and quantum sensors.
In addition to quantum computing and quantum sensing, NASA is also exploring other areas of quantum technology research, such as quantum communications and quantum cryptography. These technologies could provide secure communication and encryption methods that are immune to hacking and eavesdropping.
As we enter the quantum age, NASA's pioneering research in quantum technology is crucial for advancing space exploration and solving some of the world's most pressing problems. By embracing quantum technology, NASA is ensuring that it remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation.
Goddard Space Flight Center’s Quantum Laboratory.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is using its new quantum lab to perform quantum correspondences tests.
Harry Shaw, quantum interchanges and processing exercises lead, is the expert behind the lab. He made the quantum lab, distinguished investigations, and tracked down relevant business gear merchants. Shaw is laying out a quantum correspondences administrations pathway by performing tests connected with quantum trap - the peculiarity by which a couple of particles are produced so that the singular quantum conditions of each are vague until estimated, and the demonstration of estimating one decides the consequence of estimating the other, in any event, when isolated by huge spans.
The Goddard quantum lab is made up of both full-time employees and interns participating in the SCaN Internship Project (SIP). As a mentor for more than 20 years, Shaw has guided many students working on space communications technologies. He develops partnerships with universities and other government agencies to identify interns pursuing higher-level graduate and doctoral degrees that intersect with quantum communications and invites them to be an intern at the lab.
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