TPF-C Technology Plan - Exoplanet Exploration Program - NASA

Chapter 1
3B: Demonstrate, using the modeling approach validated against the HCIT performance
combined with appropriate telescope models and the current mission error budget, that TPF-C
could achieve a baseline contrast of 1 × 10 -10 over the required optical bandwidth necessary for
detecting Earth-like planets, characterizing their properties and assessing habitability.
Planned Completion Date: Q1 FY07
Milestone Development
Quantitative milestones for entry into Phase B and C will be developed by the project based on
the error budget and technical risk mitigation strategy; reviewed by the TPF-TAC, TPF-STDT,
and HQ; and approved by HQ. Approval of the milestones from HQ is required before the
project enters Phase A. Descriptions of the testbed on which the gates are accomplished are
provided in Section 3.2.1.
1.11 TPF-C Project Schedule
The TPF Project is in the first (pre-Phase A) stage of the NASA Project Life Cycle. In pre-Phase
A, a wide range of missions and technology concepts are explored, and the emphasis is on
establishing top-level goals, science requirements, and the technological feasibility of the
mission. For planning purposes, the TPF-C project is focused on achieving its pre-Phase A
technology goals no later than FY2006 to support a Phase A start in FY2007 and a launch by
~2016. Figure 1-10 shows the TPF-C life cycle schedule.
Figure 1-10. TPF-C Life Cycle Schedule
1.12 Technology Development Approach
It is convenient to divide TPF-C technology development into three, somewhat overlapping,
segments:
• component technology development
• technology demonstration
• technology infusion
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