Coherent matter wave inertial sensors for precision measurements in space

We analyze the advantages of using ultra-cold coherent sources of atoms for matter-wave interferometry in space. We present a proof-of-principle experiment that is based on an analysis of results previously published, from which we extract the ratio h/m for Rb-87. This measurement shows that a limitation in accuracy arises due to atomic interactions within the Bose-Einstein condensate. Finally, we discuss the promising role of coherent-matter-wave sensors, in particular inertial sensors, in future fundamental physics missions in space.