Linear formation-flying astronomical interferometry in low-Earth orbit: a feasibility study

Jonah T. Hansen; Michael J. Ireland; Tony Travouillon; Tiphaine Lagadec; Joice Mathew; Nicholas Herrald

doi:10.1117/12.2560890

13 December 2020 Linear formation-flying astronomical interferometry in low-Earth orbit: a feasibility study

Jonah T. Hansen, Michael J. Ireland, Tony Travouillon, Tiphaine Lagadec, Joice Mathew, Nicholas Herrald

Proceedings Volume 11443, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave; 1144366 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2560890
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2020, Online Only

Conference Poster

Abstract

Space interferometry is the inevitable endpoint of high angular resolution astrophysics, and a key technology that can be leveraged to analyse exoplanet formation and atmospheres with exceptional detail. Here, we present a feasibility study into a small scale formation flying interferometric array, flying in Low Earth Orbit, that will aim to prove the technical concepts involved with space interferometry while still making unique astrophysical measurements. We will detail the design of the mission, as well as present orbital simulations that show that the array should be stable enough to perform interferometry with <50 m/s/year Δv and one thruster per spacecraft. We also conduct observability simulations to identify what parts of the sky are visible for a given orbital configuration. We conclude with optimism that this design is achievable, but a more detailed control simulation factoring in a metrology system is the next step to demonstrate full mission feasibility.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Jonah T. Hansen, Michael J. Ireland, Tony Travouillon, Tiphaine Lagadec, Joice Mathew, and Nicholas Herrald "Linear formation-flying astronomical interferometry in low-Earth orbit: a feasibility study", Proc. SPIE 11443, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave, 1144366 (13 December 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2560890

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