Search NASA⌕ Search
Home/Archive/NASA NTRS

NASA NTRS · 20150008604

Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer: 2007-2008 Progress and Plans

Lawson, P. R.·Lay, O. P.·Martin, S. R.·Peters, R. D.·Gappinger, R. O.·Ksendzov, A.·Scharf, D. P.·Booth, A. J.·Beichman, C. A.·Serabyn, E.·Johnston, K. J.·Danchi, W. C.
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of technology development for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I). TPF-I is a mid-infrared space interferometer being designed with the capability of detecting Earth-like planets in the habitable zones around nearby stars. The overall technology roadmap is presented and progress with each of the testbeds is summarized. The current interferometer architecture, design trades, and the viability of possible reduced-scope mission concepts are also presented.

Explore related subjects

formation flyingInterferometryastronomynullingextrasolar planets

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Lawson, P. R., Lay, O. P., Martin, S. R., Peters, R. D., Gappinger, R. O., Ksendzov, A., Scharf, D. P., Booth, A. J., Beichman, C. A., Serabyn, E., Johnston, K. J., Danchi, W. C.. 2008-06-23. Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer: 2007-2008 Progress and Plans. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20150008604

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related reports

NASA NTRS2008

Flight-Like Ground Demonstrations of Precision Maneuvers for Spacecraft Formations

Synchronized formation rotations are a common maneuver for planned precision formations. In such a rotation, attitudes remain synchronized with relative positions, as if the spacecraft were embedded in a virtual rigid body. Further, since synchronized rotations are needed for science data collection, this maneuver requires the highest precision control of formation positions and attitudes. A recently completed, major technology milestone for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer is the high-fidelity, ground demonstration of precision synchronized formation rotations. These demonstrations were performed in the Formation Control Testbed (FCT), which is a flight-like, multi-robot formation testbed. The FCT is briefly introduced, and then the synchronized rotation demonstration results are presented. An initial error budget consisting of formation simulations is used to show the connection between ground performance and TPF-I flight performance.

formation flying↗