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Paper: The Darwin Mission
Volume: 294, Scientific Frontiers in Research on Extrasolar Planets
Page: 621
Authors: Fridlund, M.
Abstract: The InfraRed Space Interferometer Darwin is an integral part of ESA's Cosmic Vision 2020 plan, intended for a launch towards the middle of the next decade. It has been the subject of a feasibility study and is now undergoing technological development. The scientific scope is aimed towards developing a system that could carry out the search for, and characterization of, Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. A secondary objective is to carry out imaging of astrophysical objects with unprecedented spatial resolution. The implementation of Darwin is based on the new technique of nulling interferometry in the mid-IR, and becomes the culmination of a decade of technology and science precursor missions. Darwin is also foreseen to be carried out in an international context.
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