Feasibility study of an interferometric Small-Sat to study exoplanets

Dandumont, Colin; Defrere, Denis; Loicq, Jerôme

doi:10.1117/12.2599624

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Feasibility study of an interferometric Small-Sat to study exoplanets

Dandumont, Colin; Defrere, Denis; Loicq, Jerôme

2021 • In Proceedings of SPIE: The International Society for Optical Engineering, 11852

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/261253

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10.1117/12.2599624

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Keywords :

nulling interferometry; exoplanets; satellite

Abstract :

[en] One of the main goals of exoplanet science is to characterize the atmosphere of rocky exoplanets in the habitable zone of nearby stars. A space-based nulling interferometry, observing in the mid-infrared (3-20 μm), is considered to be one of the most promising solutions to tackle this observing challenge. The LIFE project, a free-flying space-based mid-infrared nulling interferometer, would have this capability. However, several key technologies need to be demonstrated before launching such an ambitious mission. A small space-based mission can be considered as a useful prerequisite. In this paper, we consider three small satellite architectures, two CubeSats, and a PROBA-like satellite. Based on a Bracewell architecture and without free-flying, these monolithic satellites can demonstrate some key components like the null capability and its stability on real targets. The achromatic phase shifter needs also to be demonstrated in space. Based on the scientific capabilities and exoplanet detection yield of these architectures, optical constraints are derived (pointing stability, and optical path difference correction). Orbital simulations, exploring a range of classical orbits for such a satellite, are also discussed.

Research center :

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 ; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - KUL > Instituut voor Sterrenkunde

Loicq, Jerôme ; Université de Liège - ULiège > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)

Language :

English

Title :

Feasibility study of an interferometric Small-Sat to study exoplanets

Alternative titles :

[fr] Etude de faisabilité d'un small sat pour l'étude d'exoplanètes par interférométrie

Publication date :

11 June 2021

Event name :

International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2021

Event organizer :

Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES)
European Space Agency (ESA)

Event date :

du 30 mars 2021 au 2 avril 2021

Audience :

International

Journal title :

Proceedings of SPIE: The International Society for Optical Engineering

ISSN :

0277-786X

eISSN :

1996-756X

Publisher :

International Society for Optical Engineering, Bellingham, United States - Washington

Special issue title :

International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2020

Volume :

11852

Additional URL :

https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/11852/118523U/Feasibility-study-of-an-interferometric-Small-Sat-to-study-exoplanets/10.1117/12.2599624.full?SSO=1

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