Astronomical observations aided by fundamental physics to assist in exploring space and beyond can be further enhanced by utilising quantum methods. The industry is moving in to equip upgrades in technology; one such prospect is quantum computing. It has proven its capability in past space lab trials to benefit remote satellites and any Earth-to-Space communications [1- 2]. Furthermore, it enables more precise measurements that will yield accurate explanations of the phenomena and properties of celestial objects. Alongside equipment improvements, such as sensors, lasers, and reflectors, quantum technologies shall serve to develop better physical mechanisms [1]. Experiments deemed impossible or prohibited earlier due to logistical drawbacks could proceed. It even opens up the possibility for a quantum internet from point A to B, which shall be incomparably faster than current fibre-operated network capacities. These sensing and measuring perks in turn, enable several posed questions to be addressed while setting up a basis for new discoveries. In other words, the application and advancement of QM in space indeed permits the excavation of fresh insights around the expandable and visible universe [1-2].

The theory of the position of matter being uncertain, appearing in two distinct forms, originating from the pioneering wave particle-duality by Broglie, helped define the behaviour of quantum-scale objects. This opened up the scientific world for nondeterministic approaches filled with probabilities. Against Newton’s ‘Principia’ of classical mechanics, Bohr and Heisenberg’s findings tried to reconcile subatomic activity with the precise mathematical accuracy of energy states. The experimental results to test the dualism of a quantum object were conducted in the Copenhagen Interpretation, where Einstein famously quoted, “God does not play Dice.’

We know that due to the homogeneous and isotropic nature of our universe, Einstein’s relativity is obeyed and matter is governed by the equations of classical mechanics. But to understand the creation of matter, the early stages of the universe need to be considered. The universe underwent an inflationary epoch that fuelled its expansion. As theorised, quantum fluctuations in the cold dark state of the cosmos seeded the first ‘budding’ atoms and gave rise to the structures we observe today in the post-stages of cosmic evolution.

Advances in high-energy physics and quantum information can point out deeper connections of inflation than just structure-forming perturbations. To identify the earliest light in the universe, we have to travel back in time when the universe was hot and dense. This was a ‘mixer’ state of antimatter, matter and radiation energy. Radiation in the optical waveband of light, in the form of photons, is extremely energetic. Mapping out its interactions with low-mass charged particles by gauging how the photons react (its density and pressure, as seen by fluctuations in the cosmic wave background) is handy in conceptualising matter’s patterns of motion in the early plasma state of the universe.

Every quantum particle with electromagnetic radiation, when measuring its wavelength, corresponding to its energy condition can be directly linked with the associated cooling effect and consequently, the expansion of the universe. At high-energy states, every collision between two quanta could create particleantiparticle pairs in the presence of the right temperatures. The age of the universe can be estimated in such phenomena, as when the universe expands and cools, these pairs of quanta annihilate away from each other upon collision, resulting in a third particle creation. An example of this is the simple beta decay seen in atomic nuclei, where a neutrino and electron pair are given off as a result of excess energy dissipation. When photons cool off sufficiently, nuclear fusion occurs that oozes out life-giving elements, just like our sun does in its present main sequence phase. Stabilising of the universe theoretically occurs as it is kept ionised by these super-energised photons, at about 3000 K, to form neutral atoms (groundstate electrons), helping us see 388,000 years back in time after the Big Bang. Thus, quantum mechanical transitions and the power of atomic orbitals, thanks to the works of Schrodinger and Lyman, assist in reaching the farthest possible reaches in deep space and view into the distant universe.

More recently, the avenue for space exploration had a brand new addition with the embracing of Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence at the speed of light with quantum theories. Research on quantum gravity enables space-time to be considered on a Planck scale with all elemental constants integrated, up to a certain extent. In other words, the fundamentality of gravitational behaviour at astronomic scales (as described by general relativity with spacetime curvature) cannot be bridged with the probabilistic world. Classically, mass and energy are represented relativistically as vector fields and tensor networks, considering electromagnetic forces. However, the theories of every particle interaction are all quantum mechanical, with contrasting roles of time. Particle physics is solidified by quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the strong and weak nuclear forces shaping our world. This incompatibility of including relativity causes technical difficulties for physicists, causing the need for new concepts. This gives rise to effective quantum field theories involving fluctuations that help ‘quantise’ gravity [3].

A concrete understanding of quantum gravity can lead to answers to why we live in the particular vacuum we do and the features of the typical ground-state matter in our universe. It does not yet exist as a working physical theory, with implications and existence being debated for over a century - it is still under construction. Forthcoming applications based on the work by Dirac and Femi (on the quantisation and formulation of QED) could include understanding how gravity impacts cosmic scale phenomena at minute levels. Quantum gravity fills a huge missing piece on black hole behaviour and can bring further insight into the origin of our universe [3].

Moreover, the infamous EPR paradox theorises the spin of two quantum particles. Satisfying Bell’s inequality, where our universe is ‘non-local’ and interactions between events, regardless of distance and time, can be connected if at the speed of light. Bell also provided concrete underlying theories of hidden variables to prove that two polarised particles across space cannot be reproduced and shall stay in entanglement under all circumstances. Entanglement is a prospect to behold and can be regarded as a resource to dwell on impossible imaginations. If and once it is commercially applicable, quantum teleportation via sending information to distant receivers at light speed is probable. This means that a packet of data can do a mile across space…literally and can hence drastically upgrade current space communication systems [4]. Quantum security is also a significant innovation. User privacy should be ensured as only a single quantum state of 1/2 spin particle is essentially allowed. At this stage, however, entanglement is nothing more than an abstract mathematical notion that needs severe quantifying research [2].

Proposed by Benioff and coined by Sir Feynman, quantum computers and their operations have been in the spotlight to be a brilliant alternative for their sheer speed and processing perks. (Hughes, 2021) IBM, proactively being the current ambassador for quantum prototyping, introduced the system of qubits in practice. Qubits, replacing classical bits (consisting of 0’s and 1’s), comply with quantum mechanics’ most fundamental idea of a quantum particle existing in superposition, i.e., both places simultaneously [5]. This was famously theorized by the ‘cat in the box’ experiment by Schrodinger. Tweaking these qubits to an extra mode allows the probability of 0 or 1 to occur as per need and via channelling. Superconducting materials and electrical circuitry birth an extremely powerful algorithmic machine that has even been trialled to find through a phonebook of 100 million names with 10,000 operations. This is 5000x fewer operations than those of a conventional computer. Machine learning and AI are likely to be enhanced by the use of quantum computers, improving image and pattern recognition, which in turn can be valuable for the analysis of astronomical data and decision-making technology for spacecraft [5].

A present disabling force stopping worldwide commercial applications of a god-like technology such as this is the control of quantum effects that are extremely finicky and delicate. Quantum computers need to be stored at sub-zero temperatures and within insulated shielding, which allows error correction algorithms to operate by cancelling environmental noise. Groundbreaking space communication feats are in the making with quantum cryptography, which encrypts information between spacecraft and ground stations for missions. [6] Due to the finicky tendency and quantum nature of qubit systems, cosmic phenomena under high pressure, temperature, and strong gravitational fields in space can be simulated. Obstacle detection by remote quantum sensing is tested to be extra sensitive, providing higher precision for spacecraft and satellite navigation, and accurately studying and gauging celestial objects [4, 6].

However, it is important to acknowledge that these devised technologies adopted from century-old concepts, which are ever-so-prone to be violated and revalidated thousands of times mathematically, will face hurdles that will take decades to bring them to full fruition.

In conclusion, the commercial scalability of QM-integrated space research to further craft our scientific understanding of the cosmos is a sight to behold. We can strongly look forward to revolutionising the engineering of practical solutions for safer and transformative space explorations, reaching new heights.