ACCESS -- A Science and Engineering Assessment of Space Coronagraph Concepts for the Direct Imaging and Spectroscopy of Exoplanetary Systems
Abstract
ACCESS is one of four medium-class exoplanet concepts selected by NASA for ASMCS studies this year. ACCESS develops the science and engineering case for coronagraphic imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanetary systems at visible wavelengths. ACCESS evaluates the science performance and engineering readiness of four major coronagraph architectures, in the context of a conceptual space observatory platform that provides a "level playing field" for comparisons among coronagraph types. The study uses laboratory validation on JPL's High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT) as a second "level playing field" for evaluation of coronagraph hardware readiness. Our goal is to identify one or more capable mission concepts with high technology maturity, and thereby to evaluate the science reach of a NASA medium-class coronagraph mission that could be built today with proven technologies.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #213
- Pub Date:
- January 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AAS...21349301T