New space telescope to feature U of A’s innovative instruments | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The University of Arizona is set to make significant strides in space exploration by developing two key instruments for the Lazuli space telescope. This initiative will enhance the study of exoplanets and join the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System.

The project aims for completion by 2029, leveraging U of A’s expertise in adaptive optics and space instruments. “This project represents a convergence of the U of A’s decades of expertise in building space instruments and adaptive optics,” Ewan Douglas, associate professor at Steward Observatory and principal investigator of both instruments, said.

The instruments, the ExtraSolar Coronagraph (ESC) and the Widefield Context Camera (WCC), will work together to explore astrophysical questions. The ESC will image planets and dust disks, improving on the Hubble Space Telescope’s sensitivity. The WCC is designed for high-resolution astrophysics studies.

Douglas explained the innovative approach of taking adaptive optics to space. “On the ground, adaptive optics systems use deformable mirrors to compensate for atmospheric turbulence,” he said. In space, these systems will correct optical errors, enabling the detection of planets much dimmer than their stars.

Lazuli will also test technologies for future missions like NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The project uses commercial components, allowing for quicker development compared to traditional custom hardware. “This approach allows us to use software already developed by scientists and students at U of A,” Jared Males, associate astronomer at Steward Observatory, said.

The team is committed to open science, planning to share all software and data publicly. This openness aims to accelerate innovation for future missions. The instruments are being built by a diverse team from multiple colleges at U of A, with Elizabeth Fucetola and Catherine Merrill managing the ESC and WCC respectively.

Funding from Schmidt Sciences will deliver both instruments in under three years, thanks to groundwork laid through prior support and donations.