Overview of the SIM PlanetQuest Light (SIM-Lite) mission concept

Understand

The Space Interferometry Mission PlanetQuest Light (or SIM-Lite) is a new concept for a space borne astrometric instrument, to be located in a solar Earth-trailing orbit.

• SIM-Lite utilizes technology developed over the past ten years for the SIM mission.
• The instrument consists of two Michelson stellar interferometers and a precision telescope.
• The first interferometer chops between the target star and a set of Reference stars.