TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA

Table of Contents
Approvals................................................................................................................ iii
Abstract.....................................................................................................................v
Recent Highlights ....................................................................................................vi
1 Introduction..........................................................................................................1
1.1 Purpose and Scope ...............................................................................................................1
1.2 Relationship to Technology Development for Other Missions ...........................................2
1.3 Applicable Documents.........................................................................................................3
1.4 Science Objectives of TPF-C...............................................................................................4
1.5 TPF-C Mission Description .................................................................................................5
1.6 Preliminary TPF-C Instrument Description.........................................................................7
1.6.1 Telescope Design..........................................................................................................8
1.6.2 Wavefront Compensator...............................................................................................9
1.6.3 Coronagraph Design .....................................................................................................9
1.6.4 Thermal and Structural Design...................................................................................11
1.6.5 Sunshield.....................................................................................................................12
1.7 How TPF-C Detects Planets ..............................................................................................12
1.8 Key Technical Challenges of TPF-C .................................................................................13
1.8.1 Correction of Static Wavefront Errors........................................................................13
1.8.2 Suppression of Dynamic Wavefront Errors................................................................13
1.9 Technology Development Philosophy...............................................................................13
1.10 TPF-C High-level Technology Milestones......................................................................17
1.11 TPF-C Project Schedule...................................................................................................18
1.12 Technology Development Approach ...............................................................................18
2 Error Budgets.....................................................................................................20
2.1 Contrast Error Budget........................................................................................................20
2.2 Throughput (Sensitivity) Budget .......................................................................................27
3 Optics and Starlight Suppression Technology................................................28
3.1 Component Technologies ..................................................................................................28
3.1.1 Apodizing Masks and Stops .......................................................................................28
3.1.2 Technology Demonstration Mirror.............................................................................33
3.1.3 Wavefront Sensing and Control..................................................................................37
3.1.4 Deformable Mirrors....................................................................................................38
3.1.5 Transmissive Optics....................................................................................................41
3.1.6 Coatings ......................................................................................................................42
3.1.7 Scatterometer ..............................................................................................................45
3.1.8 Small Precision Optics................................................................................................47
3.2 Subsystem and System Testbeds .......................................................................................49
3.2.1 High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT).....................................................................49
3.2.2 Planet Detection Simulator (PDS)..............................................................................52
4 Structural, Thermal, and Spacecraft Technology ..........................................55
4.1 Components Technology ...................................................................................................55
4.1.1 Metrology Components ..............................................................................................55
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