ISS Atomic Interferometer Hardware Development

1. ISS Atomic Interferometer Hardware Development Objectives: Strengthen the US role in planned ESA ISS atom interferometer collaboration by providing a US sub-system contribution as part of the barter agreement. Partner with ESA on the space atom interferometer project to validate high resolution drag-free test mass technology for precision inertial force measurements and perform tests of fundamental physics on the ISS. Relevance/Impact: Improved knowledge about fundamental laws of nature. Improved technology for Earth and planetary gravity measurements, inertial navigation, satellite orbital determination, and gravitational wave detection, remote resource location. Improved technology for applications of societal, commercial, and national security importance (inertial navigation, accelerometers, gradiometers, remote resource location.) High educational and outreach value to validate importance of ISS research and inspire the next generation. Development Approach: NASA solicit and select US science PIs from 2011 NRA (part of baseline program). Develop a NASA/ESA LOA in early FY13 to define the barter agreement. Develop, test, and deliver JPL sub-system to ESA 18-24 months before launch Assume launch in 2017 with 3 month check-out phase in Europe Routine science operations by US members in US Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL ground system physics package ESA drop-tower unit design ISS Resource Requirements Project Life Cycle Schedule FP IBR 5/10/10 UEI 1