Humanity’s exploration of the universe is currently entering a “golden age”: deep-space exploration is extending from near-Earth orbit toward the outer reaches of the Solar System; cosmological research is advancing from qualitative descriptions to high-precision measurements; and multi-messenger astronomy is ushering in a new era of observation. At the same time, quantum technologies, which include quantum computing, quantum precision measurement, and quantum communication, are rapidly maturing. Given these scientific development, the deep integration of space science and quantum technology has become a strategic high ground in international scientific and technological competition, providing transformative capabilities for the next generation of space exploration systems.
The College of Physics of NUAA officially established the Center for the Cross-disciplinary Research of Space Science and Quantum-technologies, abbreviated CROSS-Q, on October 30th, 2025.
The Center will build upon the strong foundations of the College of Physics in two major research directions: gravitational and space physics, and quantum information and quantum control. The center will focus on two main themes: quantum-enabled space exploration technologies and quantum phenomena in extreme cosmic environments, carrying out in-depth interdisciplinary research. Specifically, this includes exploring quantum gravitational effects in black holes, compact astrophysical objects, and the early universe; developing the theory and key technologies of quantum radar for deep-space and near-space target detection; and investigating frontier directions such as novel quantum heat engines and energy-extraction mechanisms based on quantum effects, as well as testing the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics using space-based platforms.
Center Members：
Ya-Peng Hu (Director)
Research direction: gravitation and cosmology, astrophysics, and quantum information
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/huyapeng/en/index.htm
Yen Chin Ong (Vice Director)
Research direction: black hole physics and cosmology
Wen-Long You (Vice Director)
Research direction: quantum information and quantum control
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/youwenlong/en/index.htm
Jinbin Li
Research direction: atomic, molecular, and quantum physics
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/ljb/en/index.htm
Gaoyong Sun
Research direction: quantum many-body physics, cold atom physic, and non-Hermitian physics
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/sungaoyong/en/index.htm
Yu-Sen An
Research direction: black hole physics, quantum gravity, and quantum entanglement
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/anyusen/en/index.htm
Gaoke Hu
Research direction: quantum physics, statistical physics
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/hugaoke/en/index.htm
Ming Xue
Researcgh direction: quantum computing, quantum precision measurement
Personal homepage link: https://faculty.nuaa.edu.cn/mxue/en/index.htm
