A Realistic Roadmap to Formation Flying Space Interferometry

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doi:10.48550/arxiv.1907.09583

Cited by 2 publications

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“…The visibilities were averaged over a finite bandwidth of Δλ ¼ 10 nm and an exposure time of τ sci ¼ 20 s per Eqs. (11) and (23). The visibilities were also decreased (biased) due to WFC residuals per Eq.…”

Section: Numerical Simulationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although some relevant technology was demonstrated for TPF-I, 8,34,35 it would need to be miniaturized to fit on smaller platforms such as CubeSats. We are, however, cautiously optimistic that recent advances in CubeSats for astronomy 10,11 point at a trend that would eventually make small space interferometers a reality.…”

Section: Future Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Yet, recent developments in astronomy from smaller platforms such as CubeSats 10 could help bridge the technology gaps. 11 Relevant technologies that have reached medium to high levels of maturity in the context of astronomy include precise pointing, 12 fiber injection, 13 and formation flying. 14 It is therefore possible that the first formation-flying space interferometer would be a small technology demonstration mission in low Earth orbit (LEO) with a minimal number of spacecraft rather than a large flagship mission.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Space interferometer imaging limitations due to Global Positioning System uncertainties and parasitic forces in Low Earth Orbit

Pogorelyuk,

Black,

Belsten

et al. 2024

J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst.

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Space interferometers could, in principle, exploit the relatively stable space environment and ease of baseline reconfiguration to collect measurements beyond the limitations of ground-based interferometers. In particular, a two-element interferometer could provide excellent uv-plane coverage over a few tens of low Earth orbits. One of the challenges for free-flying interferometers is controlling the optical path distance with subwavelength accuracies despite the collectors flying up to hundreds of meters apart. We consider two approaches: an artificial in-orbit laser guide star (LGS) that provides a phase reference for the space interferometer and fringe tracking on the science target itself. The two approaches (LGS versus no LGS) would require different image processing techniques. In this work, we explore image processing with LGS phase residuals due to global positioning system (GPS) uncertainties. We use GPS uncertainties from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On mission to simulate image retrieval with a 300-m baseline laser-guided space interferometer. This is done by fitting the slowly varying phase errors of complex visibility measurements. We also consider a 40-m baseline interferometer with visibility(-modulus)-only measurements. In this case, we simulate the bias in visibility due to fringe tracking in the presence of parasitic forces acting on the spacecraft. We then use a modified version of the hybrid input-output phase retrieval algorithm for image reconstruction. We conclude that under our optimistic assumptions, both approaches could enable general imaging of a few large stars even with CubeSats, although an LGS would significantly improve the best resolution obtainable.

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Section: Numerical Simulationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Future Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Space interferometer imaging limitations due to Global Positioning System uncertainties and parasitic forces in Low Earth Orbit

Pogorelyuk,

Black,

Belsten

et al. 2024

J. Astron. Telesc. Instrum. Syst.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Yet, recent developments in astronomy from smaller platforms such as CubeSats 10 could help bridge the technology gaps. 11 Relevant technologies that have reached medium to high levels of maturity in the context of astronomy include precise pointing, 12 fiber injection, 13 and formation flying. 14 It is therefore likely that the first formationflying space interferometer would be a small technology demonstration mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a minimal number of spacecraft rather than a large flagship mission.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space interferometer imaging limitations due to GPS uncertainties and parasitic forces in LEO

Pogorelyuk,

Black,

Belsten

et al. 2023

UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts XI

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Space interferometers could, in principle, exploit the relatively stable space environment and ease of baseline reconfiguration to collect measurements beyond the limitations of ground-based interferometers. In particular, a two-element interferometer could provide excellent uv-plane coverage over a few tens of low-Earth orbits. One of the challenges for free-flying interferometers is controlling the optical path distance with sub-wavelength accuracies despite the collectors flying up to hundreds of meters apart. This work considers two approaches: an artificial in-orbit laser guide star (LGS) that provides a phase reference for the space interferometer and fringe tracking on the science target itself. The two approaches (LGS vs. no LGS) would require different image processing techniques. In this work, we explore image processing with LGS phase residuals due to GPS uncertainties. We use GPS uncertainties from the GRACE-FO mission to simulate image retrieval with a 300 m baseline laser-guided space interferometer. This is done by fitting the slowly varying phase errors of complex visibility measurements. We also consider a 40 m baseline interferometer with visibility(-modulus)-only measurements. In this case, we simulate the bias in visibility due to fringe tracking in the presence of parasitic forces acting on the spacecraft. We then use a modified version of the Hybrid Input-Output phase retrieval algorithm for image reconstruction. We conclude that under our optimistic assumptions, both approaches could enable general imaging of a few large stars even with CubeSats, although an LGS would significantly improve the best resolution obtainable.

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A Realistic Roadmap to Formation Flying Space Interferometry

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Space interferometer imaging limitations due to Global Positioning System uncertainties and parasitic forces in Low Earth Orbit

Space interferometer imaging limitations due to Global Positioning System uncertainties and parasitic forces in Low Earth Orbit

Space interferometer imaging limitations due to GPS uncertainties and parasitic forces in LEO

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