A Linear Formation Flying Astronomical Interferometer in Low Earth Orbit
arXiv:1912.02350 · doi:10.1017/pasa.2020.13
Abstract
Space interferometry is the inevitable endpoint of high angular resolution astrophysics, and a key technology that can be leveraged to analyse exoplanet formation and atmospheres with exceptional detail. However, the anticipated cost of large missions such as Darwin and TPF-I, and inadequate technology readiness levels have resulted in limited developments since the late 2000s. Here, we present a feasibility study into a small scale formation flying interferometric array in Low Earth Orbit, that will aim to prove the technical concepts involved with space interferometry while still making unique astrophysical measurements. We will detail the proposed system architecture and metrology system, as well as present orbital simulations that show that the array should be stable enough to perform interferometry with < 50m/s/year delta-v and one thruster per spacecraft. We also conduct observability simulations to identify which parts of the sky are visible for a given orbital configuration. We conclude with optimism that this design is achievable, but a more detailed control simulation factoring in a demonstrated metrology system is the next step to demonstrate full mission feasibility.
arXiv comment12 Pages, 8 Figures, accepted for publication in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
References in corpus (6)
- Large Magellanic Cloud Cepheid Standards Provide a 1% Foundation for the Determination of the Hubble Constant and Stronger Evidence for Physics Beyond LambdaCDM
- Exoplanet Biosignatures: A Review of Remotely Detectable Signs of Life
- Spatially resolved rotation of the broad-line region of a quasar at sub-parsec scale
- Kernel-nulling for a robust direct interferometric detection of extrasolar planets
- A low cost scheme for high precision dual-wavelength laser metrology
- The metallicity sensitivity of a surface brightness temperature scale