Detection and spectral characterization of mature planetary systems using space-based high-contrast imaging

Several projects of space high-contrast imaging telescopes are currently under study for the detection and spectral characterization (R∼50) of mature planetary systems at visible wavelengths, from gas giant planets to super-Earths. We present the science program, instrument concept, and simulations of science performance of one of these projects, SPICES, which was submitted to the M3 ESA Cosmic Vision call. Such an instrument would be able to spectrally characterize ∼300 planetary systems within 15 pc of the Sun.