Interferometry; Interferometers; Far infrared; Exoplanets; Planets; Telescopes
Abstract :
[en] For over two decades, astronomers have considered the possibilities for interferometry in space. The first of these missions was the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM), but that was followed by missions for studying exoplanets (e.g Terrestrial Planet Finder, Darwin), and then far-infrared interferometers (e.g. the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope, the Far-Infrared Interferometer). Unfortunately, following the cancellation of SIM, the future for space-based interferometry has been in doubt, and the interferometric community needs to reevaluate the path forward. While interferometers have strong potential for scientific discovery, there are technological developments still needed, and continued maturation of techniques is important for advocacy to the broader astronomical community. We review the status of several concepts for space-based interferometry, and look for possible synergies between missions oriented towards different science goals.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Rinehart, S. A.; NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr. (United States)
Savini, G.; Univ. College London (United Kingdom)
Holland, W.; Univ. of Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
Absil, Olivier ; Université de Liège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Defrere, Denis ; Université de Liège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Spencer, L.; Univ. of Lethbridge (Canada)
Leisawitz, D.; NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr. (United States)
Rizzo, M.; Univ. of Maryland (United States)
Juanola-Paramon, R.; NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr. (United States)
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