TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA

Integrated Modeling and Model Validation
Figure 5-2. Model technology implementation timeline.
5.6.3 Model Validation
The following schematic depicts the overall M&MV technology development timeline as
defined by the various phases of the Project. For now the actual schedule of the Phase gates has
not been agreed upon, but this information will be included in the next release of the Technology
Plan. In terms of the individual M&MV technology validation dates, those are identical to the
schedules of the testbeds used for validation. The testbed plans and schedules are described in
detail in the previous sections.
5.7 Integrated Modeling Tools
Two concerns that are central to the demonstration of a TPF Coronagraph are the
characterization of the telescope system’s point-spread function and its stability at a contrast
ratio of 10 -11 over long periods of time in the presence of numerous system perturbations.
From an analytical perspective, a TPF Coronagraph is of particular significance in that it is one
of the first in a series of planned future precision optical missions which, given the impracticality
of system-level, ground-based environmental testing, will necessarily be launched partly on the
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