SPICA: the next generation Infrared Space Telescope

TL;DR

SPICA is a next-generation space telescope designed for mid- and far-infrared astronomy, offering unprecedented sensitivity and resolution to address key astrophysical questions, bridging the gap between JWST and ALMA.

Contribution

This paper introduces the design and capabilities of SPICA, a highly sensitive infrared space observatory with advanced instruments, enabling new scientific discoveries in astronomy.

Findings

Two orders of magnitude sensitivity improvement over current facilities

Unique ability to bridge the far-IR wavelength gap between JWST and ALMA

Potential to address key astrophysical problems with high spatial resolution

Abstract

We present an overview of SPICA, the Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics, a world-class space observatory optimized for mid- and far-IR astronomy (from 5 to ~210um) with a cryogenically cooled ~3.2m telescope (<6 K). Its high spatial resolution and unprecedented sensitivity in both photometry and spectroscopy modes will enable us to address a number of key problems in astronomy. SPICA's large, cold aperture will provide a two order of magnitude sensitivity advantage over current far-IR facilities (lambda>30 um wavelength). In the present design, SPICA will carry mid-IR camera, spectrometers and coronagraph (by JAXA institutes) and a far-IR imager FTS-spectrometer, SAFARI (~34-210 um, provided by an European/Canadian consortium lead by SRON). Complementary instruments such as a far-IR/submm spectrometer (proposed by NASA) are also being discussed. SPICA will be the only space observatory of its era to bridge the far-IR wavelength gap between JWST and ALMA, and carry out unique science not achievable at visible or submm wavelengths. In this contribution we summarize some of the scientific advances that will be made possible by the large increase in sensitivity compared to previous infrared space missions.