Exoplanet detection yield of a space-based Bracewell interferometer from small to medium satellites

Journal Article (2020)
Author(s)

Colin Dandumont (Université de Liège)

D. Defrère (Université de Liège)

Jens Kammerer (European Southern Observatory, Australian National University)

O. Absil (Université de Liège)

Sascha Quanz (ETH Zürich)

J.J.D. Loic (Université de Liège)

Affiliation
External organisation
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.6.3.035004
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Publication Year
2020
Language
English
Affiliation
External organisation
Issue number
3
Volume number
6

Abstract

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 1/4250 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.

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