Wide field imager technology reference study

Paper number

IAC-06-A3.1.04

Author

Mr. Aleksander Lyngvi, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Philippe Gondoin, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Volker Kirschner, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Alex Jeanes, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Ms. Sandra Mangunson, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Luis Venancio, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Joao Pereira Do Carmo, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Santovincenzo, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Alex Short, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Udo Telljohann, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Pierre Fabry, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Peter Holsters, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Ms. Alexa Figgess, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Michael Khan, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Agnes Mestreau-Garreau, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Paolo de Pascale, European Space Agency/ESOC, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Jose-Luis Pellon-Bailon, European Space Agency/ESOC, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Shufan Wu, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Year

2006

Abstract

In October 2005, based on a massive response by the Science Community to ESA’s call for themes in space science, a Wide-Field Optical and near Infrared Imager was identified as a candidate project for Europe within the frame of the 2015-2025 Cosmic Vision program. Such a mission would search for Type Ia supernovae at low redshift in the optical and near infrared part of the spectrum with the aim to measure the changing rate of expansion of the universe and to determine the contributions of decelerating and accelerating energies such as the mass density, the vacuum energy density and other yet to be studied dark energies. 

In order to assess the feasibility of such a mission the Advanced Payload \& Concepts Office (SCI-A) has initiated a Wide Field Imager (WFI) Technology Reference Study (TRS). The TRS aims to establish a feasible mission concept in which critical aspects of the mission are investigated and requirements for future technology developments are identified. 

The WFI TRS baseline uses a Soyuz-Fregat launch from Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG) to obtain an orbit around L2. In order to meet the scientific objectives the spacecraft would need a large telescope with a pupil of about 2 meter in diameter and a large instantaneous field of view of about 1 square degree. The large field of view and high angular resolution lead to very large amounts of data and thus to challenging communication and data handling subsystems. Additionally, the angular resolution requirements results in a very demanding attitude control system. 

In this paper the WFI mission will be further described. Particular emphasis will be on the critical subsystems, such as the telescope, the attitude control, the communication and the data handling subsystems. Additionally, an overview of the required technology developments both for the payload and the spacecraft will be provided.

Abstract document

IAC-06-A3.1.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-A3.1.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.