Exoplanet Spectroscopy Technologies Work Package (ExoSpec)

The Astro2020 Decadal Survey Report emphasized the need for “A large, stable, space-based infrared/optical/ultraviolet (IR/O/UV) telescope with high-contrast imaging capable of observing planets 10 billion times fainter than their star, and UV, visible, and near-IR exoplanet spectroscopic capabilities” as the first flagship mission recommendation for the New Great Observatories. High contrast spectroscopic imaging from a large-aperture space telescope will enable direct characterization of diverse populations of rocky exoplanets with the capability of finding signs of life. This mission will reveal the distribution of habitable worlds and perhaps even life in the universe, answering the age-old question – are we alone? However, exoplanet imaging spectroscopy technologies must be matured to make these system-stressing observations. The Exoplanet Spectroscopy Technologies Project (abbreviated ExoSpec) links four efforts at Goddard that enable future missions to more efficiently characterize directly-imaged exoplanets. Our emphasis on system-level spectroscopy optimization prepares for a future flagship mission and complements the Roman Coronagraph technology maturation goals. ExoSpec is dedicated to maturing three subsystem technologies related to enabling spectroscopy of directly imaged exoplanets: integral field spectrographs (IFS), radiation tolerant photon counting CCD detectors, and parabolic deformable mirrors (DMs). While we advance these subsystem technologies through separate laboratory prototype demonstrations, we are also assessing their impact in terms of scientific yield at the system level through science-based end-to-end modeling and spectral retrieval simulations. This modeling pipeline provides a framework for guiding engineering trades.

The Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) is a recently established direct-funding model after 3 years of pilot program, now established as permanent, whereby APD funds technology development work by NASA scientists through a separate channel than competed programs like APRA. APD may find it advisable to directly fund certain technology-development projects, e.g., for programmatic reasons such as ensuring NASA meets commitments made to international partners including the European Space Agency (ESA). Another reason may be to optimize the scientific and technological output of NASA scientists and technology developers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.