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The AstroBiology Explorer (ABE) MIDEX Mission Concept: Using Infrared Spectroscopy to Identify Organic Molecules in SpaceOne of the principal means by which organic compounds are detected and identified in space is by infrared spectroscopy. Past IR telescopic and laboratory studies have shown that much of the carbon in the interstellar medium (ISM) is in complex organic species but the distribution, abundance and evolutionary relationships of these materials are not well understood. The Astrobiology Explorer (ABE) is a MIDEX mission concept designed to conduct IR spectroscopic observations to detect and identify these materials and address outstanding problems in astrobiology, astrochemistry, and astrophysics. ABE's core science program includes observations of planetary nebulae and stellar outflows, protostellar objects, Solar System objects, and galaxies, and lines of sight through dense molecular clouds and the diffuse ISM. ABE is a cryogenically-cooled 60 cm diameter space telescope equipped with 3 cross-dispersed R-2000 spectrometers that share a single common slit. Each spectrometer measures one spectral octave and together cover the entire 2.5-20 micron region simultaneously. The spectrometers use state-of-the-art InSb and Si:As 1024x1024 pixel detectors. ABE would operate in a heliocentric, Earth drift-away orbit and have a core science mission lasting approximately 1.5 years. ABE is currently under study at NASA's Ames Research Center in collaboration with Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp.
Document ID
20070000527
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sandford, Scott A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Ennico, Kimberly
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Allamandola, Louis
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Bregman, Jesse
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Greene, Thomas
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Hudgins, Douglas
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 11, 2002
Subject Category
Exobiology
Meeting Information
Meeting: Astrobiology Science Conference 2002
Location: Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: April 7, 2002
End Date: April 11, 2002
Sponsors: NASA Ames Research Center
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 997-24-00
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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