Earth-based platforms for microgravity research on ultra-cold atom devices for space applications

On Earth, the second quantum revolutionis about to expand our understanding of time-keeping, communication and sensing. Leveraging this revolution for space missions promises to probe up to now in accessible regimes for a variety of different applications. In order to prepare the necessary technology for space, different microgravity platforms, like drop towers, aircraft or sounding rockets have been intensively used throughout the last almost two decades. Although, this research approach required substantial efforts, important milestones have been reached, like the demonstration of a Bose-Einstein condensate in space. With the advent of the novel microgravity platform Einstein-Elevator a dramatic boost in efficiency in enabling technology for the second quantum revolution for space missions is in reach. This white paper proposes a dedicated multi-user facility for the Einstein-Elevator for research on ultracold atom technology for space applications. With this facility, a broad range of experimental capabilities will be covered and its accessibility and modularity will additionally allow for flexible exchange or addition of capabilities for future developments.