Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
Volume | 8442 |
Pages (from-to) | 84421G |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISSN | 0277-786X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Event | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray - Amsterdam RAI Convention Ctr., Amsterdam, Netherlands Duration: 1 Jul 2012 → 6 Jul 2012 Conference number: 8443 |
Conference
Conference | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray |
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Number | 8443 |
Location | Amsterdam RAI Convention Ctr. |
Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Amsterdam |
Period | 01/07/2012 → 06/07/2012 |
Keywords
- Astronomy
- Buildings
- Design
- Infrared radiation
- Millimeter waves
- Observatories
- Space flight
- Space platforms
- Space telescopes
- Spectrometers
- Instruments