SISTERS: A space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing

Details SISTERS: A space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing SISTERS: A space interferometer for the search for terrestrial exo-planets by rotation shearing

Dec 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992esasp.354...99b&link_type=abstract

In ESA, Targets for Space-Based Interferometry p 99-103 (SEE N93-31750 12-89)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Astronomical Interferometry, Extrasolar Planets, Interferometers, Near Infrared Radiation, Spaceborne Astronomy, Attitude Control, Planetary Systems, Space Exploration, Spacecraft Configurations, Spacecraft Orbits

Scientific paper

A concept for a space based interferometer dedicated to the detection of extrasolar Earth like planets is presented. Detection is done in the near infrared (10 micrometers) where the expected star to planet flux ratio is down to 1,000,000 compared to 10 to the 10th power in the visible. The longer wavelength also makes it easier to avoid light scatter due to optics microroughness. Parent star cancellation is obtained with a rotation shearing interferometer working at its null on axis. The interferometer is of the Fizeau configuration with an aperture composed of twelve 1.2 m mirrors on a 20 m ring. This size, which corresponds to a resolving power of 0.05 arcsecond, allows for the investigation of about 30 candidate stars. The interferometer is supported by a chemically rigidized structure deployed by inflation. All optical elements are passively cooled to about 70K to reduce the instrumental infrared background. The spacecraft is located at the second Lagrangian point of the Earth Sun system in order to minimize attitude control and baffling requirements.

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