Journal article · Conference paper
An integrated payload design for the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO)
The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) is a space mission dedicated to undertaking spectroscopy of transiting exoplanets over the widest wavelength range possible. It is based around a highly stable space platform with a 1.2 m class telescope. The mission is currently being studied by ESA in the context of a medium class mission within the Cosmic Vision programme for launch post 2020.
The payload suite is required to provide simultaneous coverage from the visible to the mid-infrared and must be highly stable and effectively operate as a single instrument. In this paper we describe the integrated spectrometer payload design for EChO which will cover the 0.4 to 16 micron wavelength band.
The instrumentation is subdivided into 5 channels (Visible/Near Infrared, Short Wave InfraRed, 2 x Mid Wave InfraRed; Long Wave InfraRed) with a common set of optics spectrally dividing the input beam via dichroics. We discuss the significant design issues for the payload and the detailed technical trade-offs that we are undertaking to produce a payload for EChO that can be built within the mission and programme constraints and yet which will meet the exacting scientific performance required to undertake transit spectroscopy. © 2012 SPIE.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2012 |
Proceedings: | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray |
ISSN: | 1996756x and 0277786x |
Types: | Journal article and Conference paper |
DOI: | 10.1117/12.924688 |
ORCIDs: | Nørgaard-Nielsen, Hans Ulrik |