Technology development for the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM)-status and plans

Abstract

Optical and infrared interferometry will open new vistas for astronomy over the next decade. Space based interferometers, operating unfettered by the Earth's atmosphere, will offer the greatest scientific payoff. They also present the greatest technological challenge: laser metrology systems must perform with sub-nanometer precision; mechanical vibrations must be controlled to nanometers requiring orders of magnitude disturbance rejection; a multitude of actuators and sensors must operate flawlessly and in concert. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory along with its industry partners, LMA and TRW, are addressing these challenges with a development program that plans to establish technology readiness for the Space Interferometry Mission by end of 2003.