2002/02/04 by D. Leisawitz, David Leisawitz, T. Armstrong +61
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Superconducting and THz Device Technology #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.astro-ph/0202085
11 pages, 6 figures, submitted as a "mission white paper" to NASA's SEU Roadmap Committee
arxiv created 2002/02/04 · openalex publication_date 2002/02/04 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The question "How did we get here and what will the future bring?" captures the human imagination and the attention of the National Academy of Science's Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Commitee (AASC). Fulfillment of this "fundamental goal" requires astronomers to have sensitive, high angular and spectral resolution observations in the far-infrared/submillimeter (far-IR/sub-mm) spectral region. With half the luminosity of the universe and vital information about galaxy, star and planet formation, observations in this spectral region require capabilities similar to those currently available or planned at shorter wavelengths. In this paper we summarize the scientific motivation, some mission concepts and technology requirements for far-IR/sub-mm space interferometers that can be developed in the 2010-2020 timeframe.