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The Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI): A Discovery Class TPF/DARWIN Pathfinder Mission ConceptThe Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) is a mission concept for an imaging and nulling interferometer for the mid-infrared spectral region (5-30 microns). FKSI is conceived as a scientific and technological pathfinder to TPF/DARWIN as well as SPIRIT, SPECS, and SAFIR. It will also be a high angular resolution system complementary to NGST. The scientific emphasis of the mission is on the evolution of protostellar systems, from just after the collapse of the precursor molecular cloud core, through the formation of the disk surrounding the protostar, the formation of planets in the disk, and eventual dispersal of the disk material. FKSI will also search for brown dwarfs and Jupiter mass and smaller planets, and could also play a very powerful role in the investigation of the structure of active galactic nuclei and extra-galactic star formation. We have been studying alternative interferometer architectures and beam combination techniques, and evaluating the relevant science and technology tradeoffs. Some of the technical challenges include the development of the cryocooler systems necessary for the telescopes and focal plane array, light and stiff but well-damped truss systems to support the telescopes, and lightweight and coolable optical telescopes. We present results of detailed design studies of the FKSI starting with a design consisting of five one meter diameter telescopes arranged along a truss structure in a linear non-redundant array, cooled to 35 K. A maximum baseline of 20 meters gives a nominal resolution of 26 mas at 5 microns. Using a Fizeau beam combination technique, a simple focal plane camera could be used to obtain both Fourier and spectral data simultaneously for a given orientation of the array. The spacecraft will be rotated to give sufficient Fourier data to reconstruct complex images of a broad range of astrophysical sources. Alternative and simpler three and two telescope designs emphasizing nulling and spectroscopy also have been investigated and will be discussed.
Document ID
20040171862
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Danchi, W. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Allen, R. J.
(Space Telescope Science Inst. Baltimore, MD, United States)
Benford, D. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Deming, D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Gezan, D. Y.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kuchner, M.
(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Leisawitz, D. T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Linfield, R.
(Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. United States)
Millan-Gabet, R.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Monnier, J. D.
(Michigan Univ. MI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: Toward Other Earths Conference
Location: Heidelberg
Country: Germany
Start Date: April 21, 2003
End Date: April 26, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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