AEDGE: Atomic experiment for dark matter and gravity exploration in space

Abstract This article contains a summary of the White Paper submitted in 2019 to ESA Voyage 2050 process, which was subsequently published EPJ Quantum Technology (AEDGE Collaboration et al. Quant. Technol. 7 ,6 2020). We propose this concept for space experiment using cold atoms search ultra-light dark matter, and detect gravitational waves frequency range between most sensitive ranges LISA terrestrial LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA/INDIGO experiments. interdisciplinary experiment, called Atomic Experiment Dark Matter Gravity Exploration (AEDGE), will also complement other planned searches exploit synergies with wave detectors. give examples extended sensitivity matter offered by AEDGE, how its gravitational-wave measurements could explore assembly super-massive black holes, first-order phase transitions early universe cosmic strings. AEDGE be based upon technologies now being developed experiments atoms, benefit from experience obtained with, e.g., atom microgravity.