The Age of Scalable, Modular Space Observatories: Nautilus and the Galactic Search for Signatures of Life
When
Where
Dr. Daniel Apai
Professor
Department of Astronomy
Department of Planetary Sciences
University of Arizona
Space sciences are at a turning point: Our current paradigm of building highly complex, very expensive, and one-off space observatories is ineffective. The high costs and limited availability of large-diameter space telescopes limit progress in multiple disciplines, including astronomy, Earth and planetary sciences, as well as commercial and national security applications. At the same time, the rapid progress of space technology and rapidly growing space economy makes new approaches compelling.
In this talk, I will introduce the Nautilus Space Observatory concept that is designed to deliver over 50x sensitivity and survey efficiency gain over JWST and is designed to spectroscopically characterize the atmospheres of 1,000 habitable planet candidates. Nautilus is enabled by the combination of a revolution in the space launch industry and by a novel optical technology we invented at The University of Arizona. I will show our rapidly progressing technology development program, including our latest prototypes and new laboratory, and progress on design, fabrication, alignment, and testing methods. I will briefly describe the Nautilus Space Observatory proposed for the NASA Ad ASTRA mission concept incubator for the Astro2030 Decadal Survey. I will discuss some of the exciting scientific opportunities such a mission will enable – ranging from studies of minor bodies in the Solar System through exoplanets and time-domain astrophysics to cosmological surveys.
Host: Dr. Sukrit Ranjan