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This study aimed to develop a framework for studying the effects of spacetime curvature on the propagation of quantum states of light, and to compare them with the propagation of classical light. When distributing entangled photon pairs through a gravitational potential, the effect of spacetime curvature on the properties of quantum states can become significant. This could be relevant for plans to use satellites for global quantum key distribution.

There is an increasing need for ever smaller pulse-tube coolers. These coolers have the characteristics necessary for space applications because the absence of moving parts in the cold finger makes them extremely reliable and any induced vibrations are typically smaller and easier to control.

But these types of cooler are less efficient and have a lower power density. Typically, this is resolved by increasing their drive frequency, to reduce amplitudes and displacements, which means that the coolers are smaller

XIPE is designed to be launched with a VEGA-C vehicle into an orbit of 550 km and <6° inclination. With this orbit, eclipses last about 35 minutes. Due to remaining spacecraft fragments the mission is planned to end by controlled re-entry. The baseline ground station is Kourou either for S/S or S/X telemetry band, albeit Malindi (or Singapore) is additionally available, if necessary, for additional downloading capability in case of particularly bright sources. The mission duration is 3+2 years.

The RC-SIM project is enclosed in the initiative of using more extensively the capability of the radio communication signals (telemetry and datalinks) of interplanetary probes for remote sensing the structure of planets and moons. In more detail, the objectives of this study are:

-Investigate the physical parameters that can be obtained from the use, as a remote sensing instrument, of the radio communication systems on-board interplanetary probes.