TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA
TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA
TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA
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Introduction<br />
1 Introduction<br />
1.1 Purpose and Scope<br />
The Terrestrial <strong>Plan</strong>et Finder (<strong>TPF</strong>) is a suite of two complementary space observatories: a<br />
visible-light coronagraph and a mid-infrared formation-flying interferometer (depicted in<br />
Figure 1-1). The combination of these two missions, observing over a wide wavelength range,<br />
will provide definitive characterization of extra-solar planets and planetary systems and yield a<br />
reliable and robust assessment of habitability and the presence of signatures of life.<br />
The primary purpose of this document is to detail the technology development activities for the<br />
Terrestrial <strong>Plan</strong>et Finder Coronagraph (<strong>TPF</strong>-C) that will take place in pre-Phase A, leading up to<br />
the Mission Concept Review planned toward the end of FY2006. The focus of the technology<br />
plan is therefore to lay out the scope, depth, and inter-relatedness of activities that will enable<br />
<strong>TPF</strong>-C to achieve its technology milestones, supporting its entry to Phase A.<br />
The <strong>TPF</strong>-C technology plan nonetheless takes a longer perspective and outlines the approach to<br />
technology verification that will lead the project through Phase A and onward to Phase C/D.<br />
<strong>TPF</strong>-C will be a technologically demanding mission. The size of the observatory, its complexity,<br />
system tolerances, and sensitivity to environmental conditions are such that it may never be<br />
possible to undertake a full end-to-end test of the observatory prior to launch. Much of this<br />
technology plan is therefore devoted to describing the approach to verification and validation of<br />
the expected performance of <strong>TPF</strong>-C.<br />
This document is intended to be very specific concerning plans for the immediate future up until<br />
the end of pre-Phase A and somewhat detailed for plans in Phase A, but to provide only a broad<br />
outline of the approach that will be undertaken towards the latter phases of development leading<br />
up to launch. Whereas detailed budget information is considered in planning of pre-Phase A<br />
activities, no attempt is made to incorporate comprehensive budget information for subsequent<br />
Phases.<br />
Within these pages are documented the critical component, subsystem, and system technologies<br />
and a schedule of development that includes the progression of <strong>NASA</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Readiness<br />
Levels (TRLs). Error budgets are also presented that justify the current technology goals, with<br />
the understanding that these error budgets are subject to revision as the technology matures.<br />
1