IRASSI infrared space interferometer: Formation geometry and relative dynamics analysis

Buinhas, Luisa; Frankl, Kathrin; Linz, H.; Förstner, Roger

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.02.005

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…This is an active field of research. For instance, the IRASSI study [68] generated progress in relative positioning methods and relative dynamics analysis (e.g., [10,85]), formation maneuver design (e.g., [11]), and in ways to internally calibrate the local tie from the metrology to the scientific measurement systems (e.g., [30]). Furthermore, it became obvious that also an accurate attitude estimation and control system needs to be employed.…”

Section: Implementation As An Interferometermentioning

confidence: 99%

Bringing high spatial resolution to the far-infrared

et al. 2021

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The far-infrared (FIR) regime is one of the wavelength ranges where no astronomical data with sub-arcsecond spatial resolution exist. None of the medium-term satellite projects like SPICA, Millimetron, or the Origins Space Telescope will resolve this malady. For many research areas, however, information at high spatial and spectral resolution in the FIR, taken from atomic fine-structure lines, from highly excited carbon monoxide (CO), light hydrides, and especially from water lines would open the door for transformative science. A main theme will be to trace the role of water in proto-planetary discs, to observationally advance our understanding of the planet formation process and, intimately related to that, the pathways to habitable planets and the emergence of life. Furthermore, key observations will zoom into the physics and chemistry of the star-formation process in our own Galaxy, as well as in external galaxies. The FIR provides unique tools to investigate in particular the energetics of heating, cooling, and shocks. The velocity-resolved data in these tracers will reveal the detailed dynamics engrained in these processes in a spatially resolved fashion, and will deliver the perfect synergy with ground-based molecular line data for the colder dense gas.

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Section: Implementation As An Interferometermentioning

confidence: 99%

Bringing high spatial resolution to the far-infrared

et al. 2021

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“…In future work, a filter-based approach considering such accelerations will be investigated. We also simulated realistic scenarios for the swarm configurations (Buinhas et al, 2018). We found that if arranged in a strictly planar configuration, the relative positioning determination procedure is hampered.…”

Section: Formation Flying Relative Dynamics and Modes Of Operationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3). Here, the (x,y,z) coordinates are assumed to be at the initial formation locations (0,0,0), (0,a,0), (0,0,-2a),(a/4,a/2,-a), and (-a/4,a/3,-2/3 a), and subsequently drift motions Buinhas et al, 2018). In this general case, the formation will not be co-planar, but in a true 3D configuration (see text).…”

Section: Formation Flying Relative Dynamics and Modes Of Operationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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InfraRed Astronomy Satellite Swarm Interferometry (IRASSI): Overview and study results

Linz

Bhatia

Buinhas

et al. 2020

Advances in Space Research

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The far-infrared (FIR) regime is one of the few wavelength ranges where no astronomical data with sub-arcsecond spatial resolution exist yet. Neither of the medium-term satellite projects like SPICA, Millimetron or OST will resolve this malady. For many research areas, however, information at high spatial and spectral resolution in the FIR, taken from atomic fine-structure lines, from highly excited carbon monoxide (CO) and especially from water lines would open the door for transformative science. These demands call for interferometric concepts. We present here first results of our feasibility study IRASSI (Infrared Astronomy Satellite Swarm Interferometry) for an FIR space interferometer. Extending on the principal concept of the previous study ESPRIT, it features heterodyne interferometry within a swarm of five satellite elements. The satellites can drift in and out within a range of several hundred meters, thereby achieving spatial resolutions of <0.1 arcsec over the whole wavelength range of 1-6 THz. Precise knowledge on the baselines will be ensured by metrology methods employing laser-based optical frequency combs, for which preliminary ground-based tests have been designed by members of our study team. We first give a motivation on how the science requirements translate into operational and design parameters for IRASSI. Our consortium has put much emphasis on the navigational aspects of such a free-flying swarm of satellites operating in relatively close vicinity. We hence present work on the formation geometry, the relative dynamics of the swarm, and aspects of our investigation towards attitude estimation. Furthermore, we discuss issues regarding the real-time capability of the autonomous relative positioning system, which is an important aspect for IRASSI where, due to the large raw data rates expected, the interferometric correlation has to be done onboard, in quasi-real-time. We also address questions regarding the spacecraft architecture and how a first thermomechanical model is used to study the effect of thermal perturbations on the spacecraft. This will have implications for the necessary internal calibration of the local tie between the laser metrology and the phase centres of the science signals and will ultimately affect the accuracy of the baseline estimations.

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“…To handle the high degree of autonomy necessary for free-flying missions of close-by elements in free space is a complex endeavour. This is an active field of research, with steady progress in estimation and control algorithms, and in ways to internally calibrate the local tie from the metrology to the scientific measurement systems (see Linz et al 2020;Ferrer-Gil et al 2016;Buinhas et al 2018;Philips-Blum et al 2018).…”

Section: Implementation As An Interferometermentioning

confidence: 99%

Bringing high spatial resolution to the Far-infrared -- A giant leap for astrophysics

Linz¹,

Wiedner²

2020

Preprint

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The far-infrared (FIR) regime is one of the few wavelength ranges where no astronomical data with sub-arcsecond spatial resolution exist. Neither of the medium-term satellite projects like SPICA, Millimetron nor O.S.T. will resolve this malady. For many research areas, however, information at high spatial and spectral resolution in the FIR, taken from atomic fine-structure lines, from highly excited carbon monoxide (CO), light hydrids, and especially from water lines would open the door for transformative science. A main theme will be to trace the role of water in proto-planetary disks, to observationally advance our understanding of the planet formation process and, intimately related to that, the pathways to habitable planets and the emergence of life. Furthermore, key observations will zoom into the physics and chemistry of the star-formation process in our own Galaxy, as well as in external galaxies. The FIR provides unique tools to investigate in particular the energetics of heating, cooling and shocks. The velocity-resolved data in these tracers will reveal the detailed dynamics engrained in these processes in a spatially resolved fashion, and will deliver the perfect synergy with ground-based molecular line data for the colder dense gas.

show abstract

IRASSI infrared space interferometer: Formation geometry and relative dynamics analysis

Cited by 9 publications

References 3 publications

Bringing high spatial resolution to the far-infrared

Bringing high spatial resolution to the far-infrared

InfraRed Astronomy Satellite Swarm Interferometry (IRASSI): Overview and study results

Bringing high spatial resolution to the Far-infrared -- A giant leap for astrophysics

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