Finding Earth-like planets in space is like finding a needle in a haystack. To further this discovery, NASA is supporting early-stage research on a concept for a hybrid observatory that will combine a ground-based telescope with a space-based star wing. These devices block the glare from stars when observing planets outside our solar system, called exoplanets, from the ground. The Mixed observatory for Earth-like alien planets (HOEE) will transform the largest ground-based telescope into the most powerful planet finder ever built – and the public has the opportunity to be a part of this groundbreaking effort.
The Starshade ultralight texture design challenge asked participants to develop a lightweight starhade structure that could be used as part of the HOEE concept. The ideal design would allow for compact packaging and a successful one-off deployment in its Earth orbit. It must also have the lowest possible mass so that the chemical propulsion can keep it aligned during observation and the propulsion system can change its trajectory to observe different targets – all even while using as little fuel as possible.
One way to pinpoint an alien planet in the vast darkness of space, and determine its habitability, is to observe the light it reflects as it orbits its star. This light is influenced by surface minerals, oceans, continents, weather, vegetation, and the gases that make up its atmosphere. But the star often produces glare when observing planets from ground-based telescopes, disrupting the observation process. Starshades cast shadows over the star without blocking the light of its planets, giving observers a better view.
Dr John Mather, senior astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and senior project scientist, said: “Hybrid observatories can help us pay answers some of the most pressing questions about extraterrestrial life. James Webb . Space Telescope. “Observing multiple systems will help answer the question of why configurations like ours are rare and why no other system is the same at home. It is truly exciting that the public can be a part of this revolutionary effort. I can’t wait to see what ideas they bring to the table.”
The top five submissions will share a $7,000 prize. The contest deadline is August 22. The contest is managed by GrabCAD. For more information about the challenge, visit: https://grabcad.com/challenges/nasa-challenge-ultralight-starshade-struc…
This competition supports NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) research on the concept of HOEE. NASA Tournament Lab, part of the Awards, Challenges, and Community Resources program, administers the challenge. The program supports public contests and community sourcing as tools to advance NASA research and development and other mission needs. NIAC and the Awards, Challenges, and Community Resources program are part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Board of Directors.
Learn more about opportunities to participate in your space program through NASA awards and challenges at:
Last updated: July 18, 2022
Editor: Sarah Schlieder
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