Pyxis: A ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

Jonah T. Hansen; Samuel Wade; Michael J. Ireland; Tony D. Travouillon; Tiphaine Lagadec; Nicholas Herrald; Joice Mathew; Stephanie Monty; Adam D. Rains

arXiv · 2307.07211

Pyxis: A ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

Jonah T. Hansen·Samuel Wade·Michael J. Ireland·Tony D. Travouillon·Tiphaine Lagadec·Nicholas Herrald·Joice Mathew·Stephanie Monty·Adam D. Rains

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Abstract

In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in studies towards space-based optical/infrared interferometry, particularly with the vision to use the technique to discover and characterise temperate Earth-like exoplanets around solar analogues. One of the key technological leaps needed to make such a mission feasible is demonstrating that formation flying precision at the level needed for interferometry is possible. Here, we present $\textit{Pyxis}$, a ground-based demonstrator for a future small satellite mission with the aim to demonstrate the precision metrology needed for space-based interferometry. We describe the science potential of such a ground-based instrument, and detail the various subsystems: three six-axis robots, a multi-stage metrology system, an integrated optics beam combiner and the control systems required for the necessary precision and stability. We end by looking towards the next stage of $\textit{Pyxis}$: a collection of small satellites in Earth orbit.

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Jonah T. Hansen, Samuel Wade, Michael J. Ireland, Tony D. Travouillon, Tiphaine Lagadec, Nicholas Herrald, Joice Mathew, Stephanie Monty, Adam D. Rains. 2023-09-25. Pyxis: A ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry. https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.07211

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