Meet the Team: OSCAR-PINQ
Team OSCAR-PINQ is the next chapter in the journey of team OSCAR to bring diamond-based quantum sensing technologies into space. Building on the previous experience of the OSCAR project series, this mission takes on the challenge of miniaturizing diamond-based magnetometers while integrating pulsed measurement techniques. At the same time, it paves the way for the widespread utilization of this technology in Earth observation applications, with this mission specifically targeting the exploratory approach of monitoring volcanic and tectonic activity.
OSCAR-PINQ (Optical Sensors based on CARbon materials: Pulsed Integration and Novel Quantum concepts) is an interdisciplinary student-driven initiative from Hasselt University (Belgium) whose objective is to advance the field of quantum magnetometry for space applications. The project aims to develop nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond-based sensors that integrate pulsed measurement protocols to enhance sensitivity, filter magnetic signals dynamically, and operate robustly in space environments. By miniaturizing the sensor to a compact 0.2U size and reducing weight to under 250g, OSCAR-PINQ targets the CubeSat form factor, enabling deployment on smaller, more accessible platforms. With sub-nanotesla sensitivity and the ability to measure both static and dynamic magnetic fields, the sensor is designed to map Earth’s magnetic field, monitor volcanic and tectonic activity, and analyze space weather phenomena. By validating the technology aboard ESA’s Space Rider, OSCAR-PINQ aims to demonstrate its potential for widespread utilization in future Earth observation missions, bridging the gap between cutting-edge quantum sensing research and practical applications.
One of the core pillars of OSCAR is the commitment to advancing research while providing hands-on learning opportunities, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to tackle real-world challenges in quantum research and space engineering. The team consists of 18 members coming from varied educational backgrounds, including physics, electronics, software engineering, mechanics, and outreach. The project brings together undergraduate and graduate students from Hasselt University, many of whom are involved through extracurricular initiatives or part of their theses. The team benefits from a solid mentorship structure, supported by faculty members and former OSCAR alumni, which ensures effective knowledge sharing and continuity within the team.
The OSCAR-PINQ project builds on a strong foundation laid by its predecessors, such as the OSCAR-QUBE mission, which successfully operated aboard the International Space Station as part of the Orbit Your Thesis!, which is now part of the ESA Academy Experiments Programme. This iteration will take the lessons learned and aims to take the technology further by on-chip miniaturization of the sensor while maintaining high sensitivity. Another objective is to test its robustness in extreme environments that include rapid temperature variations and cosmic radiation aboard Space Rider. The successful validation of this technology aboard Space Rider paves the way for its application in future Earth observation missions and beyond, including CubeSat integration and potentially lunar exploration. As the OSCAR-PINQ team develops their quantum sensing technology, they remain true to their core belief:
“Why are we doing this? Because we believe that technology does not automatically improve; it only gets better when motivated people work hard to make it happen.”
Follow the OSCAR-PINQ journey on our social media platforms and stay updated on milestones, events, and discoveries. The team will also share their progress on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
