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TPF-Emma: concept study of a planet finding space interferometer

2007; SPIE; Volume: 6693; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1117/12.734835

1996-756X

Stefan Martin, Daniel P. Scharf, Richard E. Wirz, Oliver P. Lay, David McKinstry, Bertrand Mennesson, G. Purcell, Jose Israel Rodriguez, Laurence Scherr, James Smith, Leonard Wayne,

Planetary Science and Exploration

A novel space interferometer design originating in Europe has been studied. The interferometer uses the technique of starlight nulling to enable detection of earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars. A set of four telescope spacecraft flying in formation with a fifth, beam-combiner spacecraft forms the interferometer. This particular concept shows potential for reducing the mission cost when compared with previous concepts by greatly reducing the complexity of the telescope spacecraft. These spacecraft have no major deployable systems, have simplified propulsion and a more rugged construction. The formation flying geometry provides for greater average separation between the spacecraft with commensurate risk reduction. Key aspects of the design have been studied at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory with a view to collaborations between NASA and the European Space Agency. An overview of the design study is presented with some comparisons with the TPF-FFI concept.