Space Interferometry Mission (SIM)

SIM Artist Conception

Call for SIM Science Studies
The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) and the MSC are inviting proposals to a Request for Proposals (RFP) entitled "SIM Science Studies". The solicitation objective is to enhance the science return from SIM by supporting researchers to conduct concept studies that will lead to the most scientifically productive observations using SIM. The RFP is described here and proposals are due June 13, 2008 at 5pm PDT.

The Space Interferometry Mission/PlanetQuest (SIM/PQ) will be the first spacecraft whose primary mission is to perform precision astrometry by long-baseline interferometry. Above the distortion of Earth's atmosphere, SIM will enable astronomers to measure the positions and motions of stars with microarcsecond precision for the first time -- enabling the detection of the reflex motion (or "wobble") of stars induced by orbiting planets a few times the mass of Earth. SIM/PQ will conduct a detailed survey for planetary companions to stars in the solar neighborhood, and will give us a more complete picture of the architecture of planetary systems around a representative sample of different stellar types.

SIM/PQ will further use astrometry to determine the distances and motions of stars throughout the Milky Way hundreds of times more accurately than any previous program, and create a stellar reference grid, providing a visible light astronomical reference frame with unprecedented precision. Against this reference frame SIM/PQ will measure the internal dynamics of our galaxy and the dynamics in our local group of galaxies, measure the photometric and astrometric effects of condensed dark matter in our galactic halo, and calibrate the brightness of several classes of astronomical "standard candles."

SIM/PQ is designed to operate for minimum five year baseline mission. The MSC is responsible for developing and operating the Science Operations System (SOS) for SIM/PQ - including program solicitation, user interface and consultation, data infrastructure, and (jointly with JPL) science operations for SIM/PQ.

For more information, see the SIM/PQ home page.

Last Updated:
 23 Feb 2008