Dark Energy Space Telescope
Encyclopedia
The Dark Energy Space Telescope (Destiny), was a planned project by NASA
and DOE
, designed to perform precision measurements of the universe
to provide an understanding of dark energy
. The space observatory
will derive the expansion of the universe by measuring up to 3,000 distant supernova
e each year of its three-year mission lifetime, and will additionally study the structure of matter
in the universe by measuring millions of galaxies
in a weak gravitational lensing
survey.
The Destiny spacecraft
features an optical telescope
with a 1.65m primary mirror. The telescope images infrared
light onto an array of solid-state detectors. The mission is designed to be deployed in a halo orbit
about the sun-earth Lagrangian point
.
Destiny is currently in a two-year study phase, which will refine its design and performance predictions in preparation for future approval for deployment. Should Destiny be approved, it could launch in 2013, with preliminary results produced within a year, and final results around 2017.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
and DOE
United States Department of Energy
The United States Department of Energy is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government concerned with the United States' policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material...
, designed to perform precision measurements of the universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
to provide an understanding of dark energy
Dark energy
In physical cosmology, astronomy and celestial mechanics, dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe. Dark energy is the most accepted theory to explain recent observations that the universe appears to be expanding...
. The space observatory
Space observatory
A space observatory is any instrument in outer space which is used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects...
will derive the expansion of the universe by measuring up to 3,000 distant supernova
Supernova
A supernova is a stellar explosion that is more energetic than a nova. It is pronounced with the plural supernovae or supernovas. Supernovae are extremely luminous and cause a burst of radiation that often briefly outshines an entire galaxy, before fading from view over several weeks or months...
e each year of its three-year mission lifetime, and will additionally study the structure of matter
Matter
Matter is a general term for the substance of which all physical objects consist. Typically, matter includes atoms and other particles which have mass. A common way of defining matter is as anything that has mass and occupies volume...
in the universe by measuring millions of galaxies
Galaxy
A galaxy is a massive, gravitationally bound system that consists of stars and stellar remnants, an interstellar medium of gas and dust, and an important but poorly understood component tentatively dubbed dark matter. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek galaxias , literally "milky", a...
in a weak gravitational lensing
Weak gravitational lensing
While the presence of any mass bends the path of light passing near it, this effect rarely produces the giant arcs and multiple images associated with strong gravitational lensing. Most lines of sight in the universe are thoroughly in the weak lensing regime, in which the deflection is impossible...
survey.
The Destiny spacecraft
Spacecraft
A spacecraft or spaceship is a craft or machine designed for spaceflight. Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, planetary exploration and transportation of humans and cargo....
features an optical telescope
Telescope
A telescope is an instrument that aids in the observation of remote objects by collecting electromagnetic radiation . The first known practical telescopes were invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 1600s , using glass lenses...
with a 1.65m primary mirror. The telescope images infrared
Infrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
light onto an array of solid-state detectors. The mission is designed to be deployed in a halo orbit
Halo orbit
A halo orbit is a periodic, three-dimensional orbit near the , , or Lagrange points in the three-body problem of orbital mechanics. A spacecraft in a halo orbit does not technically orbit the Lagrange point itself , but travels in a closed, repeating path near the Lagrange point...
about the sun-earth Lagrangian point
Lagrangian point
The Lagrangian points are the five positions in an orbital configuration where a small object affected only by gravity can theoretically be stationary relative to two larger objects...
.
Destiny is currently in a two-year study phase, which will refine its design and performance predictions in preparation for future approval for deployment. Should Destiny be approved, it could launch in 2013, with preliminary results produced within a year, and final results around 2017.