Technology Plan for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer

Technology Plan for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer PDF

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-06-15

Total Pages: 166

ISBN-13: 9781721151936

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The technology plan for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I) describes the breadth of technology development currently envisaged to enable TPF-I to search for habitable worlds around nearby stars. TPF-I is currently in Pre-Phase A (the Advanced Study Phase) of its development. For planning purposes, it is expected to enter into Phase A in 2010 and be launched sometime before 2020. TPF-I is being developed concurrently with the Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C), whose launch is anticipated in 201 6. The missions are being designed with the capability to detect Earth-like planets should they exist in the habitable zones of Sun-like (F,G, and K) stars out to a distance of about 60 light-years. Each mission will have the starlight-suppression and spectroscopic capability to enable the characterization of extrasolar planetary atmospheres, identifying biomarkers and signs of life. TPF-C is designed as a visible-light coronagraph; TPF-I is designed as a mid-infrared formation-flying interferometer. The two missions, working together, promise to yield unambiguous detections and characterizations of Earth-like planets. The challenges of planet detections with mid-infrared formation-flying interferometry are described within this technology plan. The approach to developing the technology is described through roadmaps that lead from our current state of the art through the different phases of mission development to launch. Technology metrics and milestones are given to measure progress. The emphasis of the plan is development and acquisition of technology during pre-Phase A to establish feasibility of the mission to enter Phase A sometime around 2010. Plans beyond 2010 are outlined. The plan contains descriptions of the development of new component technology as well as testbeds that demonstrate the viability of new techniques and technology required for the mission. Starlight-suppression (nulling) and formation-flying technology are highlighted. Al

Biosignatures and Planetary Properties to Be Investigated by the Tpf Mission

Biosignatures and Planetary Properties to Be Investigated by the Tpf Mission PDF

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Adm Nasa

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2018-09-18

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9781723817892

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A major goal of Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission is to provide data to the biologists and atmospheric chemists who will be best able to evaluate the observations for evidence of life. This white paper reviews the benefits and challenges associated with remote spectroscopic observations of planets; it recommends wavelength ranges and spectral features; and it provides algorithms for detection of these features.DesMarais, David J. and Harwit, Martin and Jucks, Kenneth and Kasting, James F. and Woolf, Neville and Lin, Douglas and Seager, Sara and Schneider, Jean and Traub, Wesley and Lunine, Jonathan I.Ames Research Center; Jet Propulsion LaboratorySPACE MISSIONS; SPECTRAL SIGNATURES; OXYGEN ANALYZERS; OXYGEN SPECTRA; TERRESTRIAL PLANETS; SPECTRAL BANDS; EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE; EXTRATERRESTRIAL MATTER

Precursor Science for the Terrestrial Planet Finder

Precursor Science for the Terrestrial Planet Finder PDF

Author: Peter R. Lawson

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13:

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This document outlines a path for the development of the field of extrasolar planet research, with a particular emphasis on the goals of the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF). Over the past decade, a new field of research has developed, the study of extrasolar planetary systems, driven by the discovery of massive planets around nearby stars. The planet count now stands at over 130. Are there Earth-like planets around nearby stars? Might any of those planets be conducive to the formation and maintenance of life? These are the questions that TPF seeks to answer.

Integrated Modeling of Optical Performance for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Structurally Connected Interferometer

Integrated Modeling of Optical Performance for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Structurally Connected Interferometer PDF

Author: David Matthew LoBosco

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 105

ISBN-13:

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The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission, to be launched in 2014 as a part of NASA's Origins Program, will search for Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. One main concept under study is a structurally connected interferometer. Integrated modeling of all aspects of the flight system is necessary to ensure that the stringent dynamic stability requirements imposed by the mission are met. The MIT Space Systems Laboratory has developed a suite of analysis tools known as DOCS (Disturbances Optics Controls Structures) that provides a MATLAB environment for managing integrated models and performing analysis and design optimization. DOCS provides a framework for identifying critical subsystem design parameters and efficiently computing system performance as a function of subsystem design. Additionally, the gradients of the performance outputs with respect to design variables can be analytically computed and used for automated exploration and optimization of the design space. The TPF integrated model consists of a structural finite element model, optical performance model, reaction wheel isolation stage, and attitude/optical control systems. The integrated model is expandable and upgradeable due to the modularity of the state-space subsystem models. Optical performance under reaction wheel disturbances is computed, and the effects of changing design parameters are explored. The results identify redesign options that meet performance requirements with improved margins, reduced cost and minimized risk.

General Astrophysics and Comparative Planetology with the Terrestrial Planet Finder Missions

General Astrophysics and Comparative Planetology with the Terrestrial Planet Finder Missions PDF

Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-08-20

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 9781720563808

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This document discusses the potential of the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) for general astrophysics beyond its base mission, focusing on science obtainable with no or minimal modifications to the mission design, but also exploring possible modifications of TPF with high scientific merit and no impact on the basic search for extrasolar Earth analogs.Kuchner, Marc J. (Editor)Jet Propulsion LaboratoryASTROPHYSICS; PLANETOLOGY; TERRESTRIAL PLANETS; SPACE MISSIONS; COSMOLOGY; INTERFEROMETERS; EARTH ANALOGS; ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI; ASTEROIDS; PLANET DETECTION; DARK MATTER; PLANETARY NEBULAE