Ann Arbor Times

The University of Michigan's Department of Astronomy is set to lead its first space mission, scheduled for launch in 2029. The mission, named STARI—STarlight Acquisition and Reflection toward Interferometry—has received a $10 million grant from NASA's Astrophysics Research and Analysis program.

STARI aims to demonstrate a new technique for studying exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system. John Monnier, U-M professor of astronomy and leader of the project, stated, “We’ve detected thousands of these planets and most by indirect means—in other words, not directly through the light they emit. It’s time to change that.”

The mission will utilize two small satellites called CubeSats to test the viability of interferometry. This technique involves multiple satellites working in precise coordination to reflect starlight between each other. Gautam Vasisht from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory noted that the most challenging aspect will be achieving "the precise coordination and control required for formation flying on a CubeSat platform."

CubeSats offer a cost-effective way to test technologies needed for larger missions. According to Vasisht, “By testing formation flying technologies on a CubeSat platform, STARI paves the way for future missions that could revolutionize our ability to study distant Earth-like planets.”

The project involves collaboration with experts across the country including Simone D’Amico at Stanford University, E. Glenn Lightsey at Georgia Institute of Technology, Leonid Pogorelyuk at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and James Cutler from U-M.

D’Amico emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The team combines the key required expertise and experience in several major areas.” He added that STARI has "huge value per se" as it demonstrates technology crucial for future flagship missions.

Lightsey highlighted a shift in space missions towards using multiple vessels rather than packing all technology into one spacecraft. He believes this approach will lead to significant scientific discoveries.

U-M has a history in space exploration with previous satellite launches led by James Cutler’s Michigan Exploration Laboratory (MXL). MXL will integrate and optimize STARI's satellites.

Michael Meyer, chair of U-M's Department of Astronomy said: “Although many of our faculty have played leading roles in previous NASA astrophysics missions, having STARI led by U-M Astronomy is a major milestone.”

While scientists currently use transmission spectroscopy to analyze exoplanet atmospheres, there is interest in developing tools specifically for detecting infrared light emitted by cooler planets. This includes building large telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope being constructed by the European Southern Observatory.

STARI won't perform interferometry but will test its satellites' ability to gather light into an optical fiber and beam it up to 100 meters away while maintaining precise positioning.

Leonid Pogorelyuk explained that maintaining such precision is challenging due to everything moving as if "sliding on an ice rink." The team hopes their work with STARI will contribute towards projects like LIFE (Large Interferometer For Exoplanets) proposed by ETH Zürich.

Sascha Quanz from ETH Zürich stated: “Projects like STARI are excellent examples of how smaller, faster missions with a clear focus can help us develop and test relevant technologies.”

Monnier concluded: “We hope the technology developed by STARI will lead to a future space interferometer capable of imaging Earth-like planets around nearby stars."