Quantum device aboard ISS tracks Earth’s magnetic field using tiny diamonds

A quantum diamond sensor aboard the ISS measured Earth’s magnetic field for 10 months.

The OSCAR-QUBE device uses nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond to function as a compact magnetometer.

Researchers confirmed the approach works in orbit, although the station’s equipment caused some interference.

The result supports using small quantum sensors for space-based magnetic mapping with lower satellite size and launch costs.