Project R-16397
Title
OSCAR-BLINQ - Belgian Light-Induced astrochemistry
study using (Nano)diamond-based Quantum sensors (Research)
Abstract
Exploiting the microgravity environment of the ISS, this project aims at advanced application of
diamond-based quantum magnetometry in space, building upon the quantum sensing platform
developed during the OSCAR-QUBE project. Astrochemistry plays an important role in
understanding chemical reactions in space, this experiment will focus on monitoring
photosensitive redox and pH-change reactions using T1/T2 relaxometry with the objective to
explore the fundamentals of molecular dynamics of these reactions in microgravity, using both
bulk and nano-diamonds. Besides astrochemistry, the final platform has potential applications for
future space exploration and terrestrial fields such as pharmacology and materials science. The
project is a collaborative effort across Belgium's federal, Flanders, and Wallonia regions, with the
additional aim of inspiring the next generation of space engineers and quantum researchers.
Period of project
01 July 2025 - 30 June 2027