IN FOCUS: GRSS Focuses on Quantum with QUEST TC

By Joanne Van Voorhis

From climate change to natural disasters, humanity faces urgent environmental challenges. To respond effectively, we need better data, better tools, and better understanding. Quantum technology could be the key to unlocking all three. The Quantum Earth Science and Technology Technical Committee (QUEST TC) is a pioneering initiative within the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS), that promotes the knowledge and application of quantum-based methods and solutions in geosciences and remote sensing. The committee focuses on both current advances and emerging frontiers in the quantum domain, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration within the broader scientific and technological communities. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, QUEST aims to harness the transformative potential of quantum advancements to enhance Earth observation (EO) capabilities.

Leveraging Quantum-based Methods

To understand QUEST’s work, it helps to grasp the basics of quantum technology. At its core, this field deals with the behavior of all matter and energy at the smallest scales. These behaviors include superposition (systems existing in several possible states until measured) and entanglement (correlations between particles that remain linked across distance). These effects are opening possibilities for new kinds of sensors and computing methods. While the eventual impact on Earth observation is not predetermined, what makes this moment unique is that the field is still taking shape.

This creates a rare opportunity for the remote sensing community to influence the direction of research and ensure that developments align with real user needs. Instead of waiting for technology to arrive fully formed, users can help define where it will be most valuable, whether in accelerating the analysis of large datasets, supporting new sensing concepts, or enabling improvements alongside existing tools. QUEST is about creating that dialogue early, so that quantum technologies grow into practical assets shaped by the priorities of the Earth observation and remote sensing community.

Leadership and Collaboration

QUEST is led by a global team of scientists and engineers. The chair of the group is Dr. Gabriele Cavallaro, affiliated with the University of Iceland and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. He’s supported by co-chairs Dr. Upendra Singh from NASA Langley Research Center and Dr. Artur Miroszewski from Jagiellonian University in Poland. “QUEST contributes to GRSS’s mission of supporting the exploration and adoption of cutting-edge technology to address pressing problems in geoscience and remote sensing. We see the potential of quantum technologies and are working collaboratively across interdisciplinary international communities,” explains Dr. Cavallaro. “It’s inspiring to be spearheading a new technical committee at this historic moment, when the explosion of data and advances in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing are opening entirely new horizons” he adds.

Quantum Sensing and Computing Working Groups

Thus far, the QUEST Technical Committee has established two working groups: Quantum Sensing for Earth Observation (QS4EO) and Quantum Computing for Earth Observation (QC4EO). Each group is led by a group of contributors from involved institutions including Stanford University and the European Space Agency.

The sensing group (QS4EO) explores the utilization of quantum phenomena to enhance sensing capabilities, leading to advances in sensitivity, robustness, efficiency, scalability, or overall suitability for Earth observation applications. Key focus areas include: precision navigation and timing, attitude determination for EO satellites, gravimetry and gravity gradiometry, electromagnetic field sensing, quantum magnetometry, and advanced imaging applications using entangled photons.

The computing working group (QC4EO) focuses on promoting the adoption of quantum computing hardware and methods for processing and analyzing remote sensing data through innovative approaches. Its objective is to support the GRSS community by fostering the exploration and application of quantum algorithms that have the potential to accelerate data analysis and large-scale simulations, while enhancing solution quality through quantum-based optimization and machine learning techniques. QC4EO will guide the GRSS community in adopting more efficient hybrid quantum–classical workflows to advance the modeling and interpretation of geoscientific data.

Activities and Accomplishments

QUEST TC actively engages in various initiatives to explore and promote the integration of quantum technologies into geoscience and remote sensing. There is a broad educational outreach initiative, including lectures and workshops for those interested in learning more about the potential of quantum to help with applications in GRSS focus areas. For example, the QC4EO working group presented a lecture on “Quantum Computing in Remote Sensing and Earth Observation” at the ESI/HDCRS High Performance and Disruptive Computing in Remote Sensing School in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) last June. A recording of the presentation is available on the IEEE GRSS YouTube channel.

The QC4EO WG also presented in June at the ESA Living Planet Symposium in Vienna, Austria and during a workshop on quantum machine learning at the IEEE IJCNN (International Joint Conference on Neural Networks) conference in Rome, Italy. QUEST TC is also organizing a workshop this fall on “Quantum Computing for Earth and Space Applications” which will provide a platform for experts from academia and industry to exchange ideas, review recent advancements, and discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in the field. “We are working hard as a team to identify opportunities to support education in the area of Quantum applications,” Dr. Cavallaro explains.

Future Outlook

As quantum technologies continue to evolve, QUEST TC is poised to play a pivotal role in their integration into geoscience and remote sensing. By promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration, the committee aims to unlock new capabilities in Earth observation, contributing to a deeper understanding of our planet and informing strategies for sustainable development. “We are inspired by the potential of Quantum to make a real difference in EO methods and technologies,” says Dr. Cavallaro. “We believe sensing and other applications can benefit from quantum technology and processes and we actively welcome members who want to work with us to make a difference,” he adds.

For more information on QUEST TC initiatives and membership, visit the IEEE GRSS QUEST Technical Committee webpage and connect with us.