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Space Interferometry Mission

Overview:

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) is an orbiting interferometer that will link a pair of telescopes to function in unison as a much larger "virtual telescope." One goal is to detect planets of varying sizes -- from huge planets several times the size of Jupiter down to planets about as massive as Earth. It will do this by precisely locating nearby stars and looking for signs of any wobble in their positions, which may indicate that gravity from orbiting planets is tugging at them.

In addition, the mission will determine positions and distances to stars with an accuracy several hundred times greater than current technology allows. SIM will open the era of "precision astrophysics." It will permit the construction of a "street map" to our Milky Way galaxy which could lead to breakthrough discoveries in astronomy. The mission will determine the distances to important signposts throughout the Milky Way as well as the motions of nearby galaxies and it can study the activity deep in the cores of external galaxies. All of this will help us expand our understanding of the universe.

Partnering with JPL are Northrup Grumman Space Technology and Lockheed Martin, as well as numerous institutions represented on the science teams.

Mission Details:

Purpose: Space-based optical interferometer to study stars and detect extra-solar planets