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NASA's Cold Atom Lab Advances Quantum Gas Research in Space

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NASA's Cold Atom Lab (CAL) launched to the International Space Station in May 2018 to study ultra-cold quantum gases.
It traps Rubidium and Potassium isotopes to produce degenerate gases for experiments during a planned five-year mission.
The lab studies delta-kick cooling and inter-species interactions, uses compliant mechanisms to improve durability and precision, and can prepare atomic samples in internal states.

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Story summary

NASA's Cold Atom Lab (CAL) launched to the International Space Station in May 2018 to study ultra-cold quantum gases.
It traps Rubidium and Potassium isotopes to produce degenerate gases for experiments during a planned five-year mission.
The lab studies delta-kick cooling and inter-species interactions, uses compliant mechanisms to improve durability and precision, and can prepare atomic samples in internal states.