The Pyxis Interferometer (I): scientific context, metrology system, and optical design

Jonah T. Hansen; Michael J. Ireland; Tony Travouillon; Samuel Wade; Michael Ellis; Steven Ellis; Shanae King; Tiphaine Lagadec; Joice Mathew; Patrick Miller; Stephanie Monty; Adam Rains; Thomas Scott; Hancheng Shao

doi:10.1117/12.2627768

26 August 2022 The Pyxis Interferometer (I): scientific context, metrology system, and optical design

Jonah T. Hansen, Michael J. Ireland, Tony Travouillon, Samuel Wade, Michael Ellis, Steven Ellis, Shanae King, Tiphaine Lagadec, Joice Mathew, Patrick Miller, Stephanie Monty, Adam Rains, Thomas Scott, Hancheng Shao

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12183, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VIII; 121831B (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627768
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Abstract

Optical interferometry from space is arguably the most exciting prospect for high angular resolution astrophysics; including the analysis of exoplanet atmospheres. This was highlighted in the recent ESA Voyage 2050 plan, which pointed out the exciting potential of this technology, but also indicated the critical need for technological demonstrators. Here we present the Pyxis interferometer; a ground-based pathfinder for a CubeSat space interferometer, currently being built at Mt Stromlo Observatory. We outline its technological and scientific potential as the only visible wavelength interferometer in the Southern Hemisphere, and the optical systems designed to provide CubeSat compatible metrology for formation flying.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Jonah T. Hansen, Michael J. Ireland, Tony Travouillon, Samuel Wade, Michael Ellis, Steven Ellis, Shanae King, Tiphaine Lagadec, Joice Mathew, Patrick Miller, Stephanie Monty, Adam Rains, Thomas Scott, and Hancheng Shao "The Pyxis Interferometer (I): scientific context, metrology system, and optical design", Proc. SPIE 12183, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VIII, 121831B (26 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627768

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