Design reference mission construction for planet finders

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present methods for constructing design reference missions (DRMs) for space-borne telescopesfor the direct detection and characterization of extra-solar planets. Unlike most existing DRMs, which presentresults based on an assumed “xed rate for the occurrence of extra-solar planets, we calculate the approximatedistribution of mission results conditional on the distribution of planets. We also improve on previous modelsby incorporating optimal integration time modeling that allows for the setting of desired missed-detection andfalse-alarm probabilities, and by optimizing re-visit timing for systems with and without initial visit detections.Sample DRMs are constructed and evaluated for a telescope with an internal coronagraph, an external occulter,and a hybrid design composed of both elements.Keywords: DRM, planet-“nding, occulters 1. INTRODUCTION Much attention has recently been directed to the problem of direct imaging of extra-solar planets. Multipleground-based observatories have begun planet “nding programs with new extreme adaptive optics systems, andthere are several mission designs under current evaluation for space-based planet “nding observatories. Muchwork has also gone into predicting the capabilities of the proposed instruments. Although the frequency ofextra-solar planets is still unknown, we can estimate the probability that a given instrument will detect a planet,given that one exists in the solar system being observed.