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Nulling interferometry; Satellites; exoplanets; Astronomy; Space; space optics
Abstract :
[en] Space-based nulling interferometry is one of the most promising solutions to spectrally characterize the atmosphere of rocky exoplanets in the mid-infrared (3 to 20 μm). It provides both high angular resolution and starlight mitigation. This observing capability depends on several technologies. A CubeSat (up to 20 kg) or a medium satellite (up to a few hundreds of kg), using a Bracewell architecture on a single spacecraft could be an adequate technological precursor to a larger, flagship mission. Beyond technical challenges, the scientific return of such a small-scale mission needs to be assessed. We explore the exoplanet science cases for various missions (several satellite configurations and sizes). Based on physical parameters (diameter and wavelength) and thanks to a state-of-the-art planet population synthesis tool, the performance and the possible exoplanet detection yield of these configurations are presented. Without considering platform stability constraints, a CubeSat (baseline of b ≃ 1 m and pupils diameter of D ≃ 0.1 m) could detect ≃7 Jovian exoplanets, a small satellite (b ≃ 5 m / D ≃ 0.25 m) ≃120 exoplanets, whereas a medium satellite (b ≃ 12.5 m / D ≃ 0.5 m) could detect ∼250 exoplanets including 51 rocky planets within 20 pc. To complete our study, an analysis of the platform stability constraints (tip/tilt and optical path difference) is performed. Exoplanet studies impose very stringent requirements on both tip/tilt and OPD control.
Research Center/Unit :
CSL - Centre Spatial de Liège - ULiège
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Dandumont, Colin ; Université de Liège - ULiège > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Defrere, Denis ; Université de Liège - ULiège > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Kammerer, Jens; Australian National University > Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Absil, Olivier ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > PSILab
Quanz, Sascha P.; Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich - ETHZ > Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics
Loicq, Jerôme ; Université de Liège - ULiège > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Language :
English
Title :
Exoplanet detection yield of a space-based Bracewell interferometer from small to medium satellites
Publication date :
23 September 2020
Journal title :
Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems
SNSF - Swiss National Science Foundation ULiège - Université de Liège EU - European Union EC - European Commission
Funding text :
The authors acknowledge the financial support of the University of Liège, the Faculty of Applied Science and Centre Spatial de Liège. Part of this work has been carried out within the framework of the National Centre for Competence in Research PlanetS supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). S. P. Q. acknowledges the financial support of the SNSF. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and Innovation Program under Grant Agreement No. 730890 (OPTICON).
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