Evaluation of the Implementation of WFIRST/AFTA in the Context of New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2014) / Chapter Skim
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3 Summary and Conclusions
3 Summary and Conclusions
Pages 36-44
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From page 36... ...
After considering the WFIRST science program in the context of recent rapid scientific advances, and in light of the selection of Euclid and the confirmation of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, as well as the realization of other synergistic ground-based instruments, the committee offers the following finding: Finding 3-1: The science case for the WFIRST wide-field infrared telescope concept generally specified by NWNH is as compelling today as when it was considered by NWNH. 1 National Research Council, New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics, The National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 2010.
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From page 37... ...
Preparatory observations aimed at understanding the distribution of Earth-like planets, choos ing targets, and measuring the levels of exozodiacal light that could hamper planet detection would retire key uncertainties. A multifaceted technology program to investigate methods of starlight suppression through coronagraphy and star shades would prepare to choose the eventual instrument implementation.
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From page 38... ...
For less aggressive mask designs and technical assumptions, the advance over other ground-based techniques is modest. Finding 1-8: Whether the WFIRST/AFTA coronagraph satisfies the NWNH goal to establish exozodiacal light levels at a precision required to plan an Earth-like-exoplanet imaging mission is uncertain due to the immaturity of the coronagraph design and uncertainty in the ultimate performance.
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From page 39... ...
In general, technology demonstration missions accept higher risk and have higher schedule uncertainty than science-driven missions. As such, the committee finds the following: Finding 2-6: Introducing a technology development program onto a flagship mission creates significant mission risks resulting from the schedule uncer tainties inherent in advancing low technical readiness level (TRL)
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From page 40... ...
Implementing a coronagraph on WFIRST/AFTA would advance this eventual goal and potentially provide scientific return responsive to NWNH exoplanet goals. However, because of the priority NWNH placed on the WFIRST primary science and the implemen tation of a balanced program, the committee recommends the following: Recommendation 2-1: NASA should move aggressively to mature the co ronagraph design and develop a credible cost, schedule, performance, and observing program so that its impact on the WFIRST mission can be deter mined.
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From page 41... ...
The ob jective of the review should be to ensure that the proposed mission cost and technical risk are consistent with available resources and do not significantly compromise the astrophysics balance defined in the 2010 National Research Council report New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics. This review should occur early enough to influence the exercising of a re scoping of the mission if required.
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From page 43... ...
Appendixes
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