Scientific motivation and technology requirements for the SPIRIT and SPECS far-infrared/submillimeter space interferometers

28 July 2000 Scientific motivation and technology requirements for the SPIRIT and SPECS far-infrared/submillimeter space interferometers

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Proceedings Volume 4013, UV, Optical, and IR Space Telescopes and Instruments; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393957
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

Far infrared interferometers in space would enable extraordinary measurements of the early universe, the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and would have great discovery potential. Since half the luminosity of the universe and 98% of the photons released since the Big Bang are now observable at far IR wavelengths (40 - 500 micrometers ), and the Earth's atmosphere prevents sensitive observations from the ground, this is one of the last unexplored frontiers of space astronomy. We present the engineering and technology requirements that stem from a set of compelling scientific goals and discuss possible configurations for two proposed NASA missions, the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope and the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure.

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David T. Leisawitz, William C. Danchi, Michael J. DiPirro, Lee D. Feinberg, Daniel Y. Gezari, Mike Hagopian, William D. Langer, John C. Mather, Samuel Harvey Moseley Jr., Michael Shao, Robert F. Silverberg, Johannes G. Staguhn, Mark R. Swain, Harold W. Yorke, and Xiaolei Zhang "Scientific motivation and technology requirements for the SPIRIT and SPECS far-infrared/submillimeter space interferometers", Proc. SPIE 4013, UV, Optical, and IR Space Telescopes and Instruments, (28 July 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393957

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