Astronomy at a Turning Point: How a constellation of large space telescopes can revolutionize space sciences and enable statistical surveys of exoplanet biosignatures

In this talk, I will argue that astronomy is at a major turning point: Our current paradigm for building space observatories cannot meet our science requirements but – through innovation and new technologies – we will be able to build much more capable systems at lower costs through a dramatically different project execution and funding model. The motivation for our project comes from the fact that achieving a comprehensive understanding of habitable and inhabited planets, and correct interpretation of biosignatures, will most likely require systematic, statistical studies of large samples of exoplanets. However, the slow growth of the light-collecting power of space telescopes and their very high costs remain severely limiting factors in observing such samples. In fact, the high costs and limited availability of large-diameter space telescopes not only limits exoplanet and biosignature studies but space-based remote sensing across various disciplines, including astronomy, Earth and planetary sciences, as well as commercial and defense applications.

I will introduce the Nautilus Space Observatory concept that is designed to spectroscopically characterize the atmospheres of 1,000 exo-earth candidates. Nautilus is enabled by the combination of a revolution in the space launch industry and by a novel optical technology invented at The University of Arizona. I will show our rapidly progressing technology development program, including our latest prototypes and new laboratory, and progress on design, fabrication, alignment, and testing methods. I will briefly describe the Nautilus Space Observatory and its science scope and discuss some of the exciting scientific opportunities such a mission will enable – in Earth and space sciences, in addition to exoplanet characterization.

Biography: Dániel Apai is Professor of Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Optical Sciences at The University of Arizona. Dr. Apai has also been serving as Associate Dean for Research in the College of Science. He earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Heidelberg University and joined the University of Arizona faculty in 2011. His primary research interests lie in the fields of exoplanets and astrobiology. Dr. Apai leads the NASA-funded Alien Earths astrobiology project that advances our understanding of the formation and habitability of nearby planetary systems. Apai also leads a team that characterizes exoplanet and brown dwarf atmospheres, with particular emphasis on understanding the connections between the properties and evolution of clouds and atmospheric circulation. He is also leading a mission concept for space telescope constellation and co-leading the technology development that supports this concept. He is Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and of The Explorers Club.