The Landolt Mission Payload: An Artificial Star for Precision Astronomy

Presenter Information

• Peter Pachowicz, George Mason UniversityFollow
• Peter Plavchan, George Mason University
• Gabrielle Belle, George Mason University
• Jay Deorukhkar, George Mason University
• Philip Cunio, George Mason University
• Eliad Peretz, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• John Mather, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Peter Kurczynski, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Angelle Tanner, Mississippi State University
• Susana Deustua, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Brian Alberding, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Joseph Rice, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Thomas Michaud-Baeyens, OMP Inc.
• Jean-Thomomas Landry, OMP Inc.
• Marc-Andre Boucher, OMP Inc.
• David Ciardi, California Institute of Technology
• Mike Lund, California Institute of Technology
• Justin Albert, University of Victoria
• Greg Alderling, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Brian Stalder, Rubin Observatory
• Daniel Stevens, University of Minnesota
• Jamie Tayar, University of Florida
• Daniel Kuesters, University of California, Berkeley
• Tabetha Boyajian, Louisiana State University

Session

Next on the Pad

Location

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Abstract

The Landolt Mission represents a significant advancement in space-based instrumentation, serving as NASA’s first hybrid space mission. Central to the mission is a smallsat deployed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), carrying the SI Traceable Absolute Radiometer [STAR] comprised of two Laser Instruments (LI) and an Element Wheel technology demonstrator. The LI utilizes six specialized Laser Trays to project SI-calibrated light beams at various wavelengths into ground telescopes. By creating a stable, SI-traceable calibration source, the Landolt mission aims to provide an unprecedented level of precision in astronomical observations. These advancements are expected to facilitate transformative discoveries in exoplanet host stars, supernova cosmology, interferometry, and dark matter research. Beyond the scientific objectives, the mission addresses critical engineering challenges involved in deploying high- precision optics in the GEO environment and integrating complex optics. Furthermore, the $20M NASA Pioneers Program project emphasizes a collaborative framework between government, industry, and academia, providing essential hands-on training for the next generation of aerospace engineers and scientists. This paper focuses on the design and engineering of the Landolt Payload and its three instruments.

Document Type

Event