Precise astrometry: Earth Analogs and Beyond

A long-baseline, space-based Michelson interferometer will be able to detect Earth Analog planets orbiting nearby G stars. The Star Watch astrometry observatory is capable of providing 1 micro-arcsecond (µas) measurements during individual observations. Over a series of “looks”, a precision of 0.3 µas can be achieved. Hardware was constructed and validated to a TRL-6 readiness level during NASA’s Space Interferometry Mission project. European industry has demonstrated its expertise in laser metrology in the LISA Pathfinder project. This will allow Europe to either proceed with the Star Watch astrometry mission on its own or through collaboration with NASA.