Project Blue: Visible Light Imaging Search for Terrestrial-class Exoplanets in the Habitable Zones of Alpha Centauri A and B

TL;DR

Project Blue aims to develop a small space telescope with coronagraphic capabilities to detect Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of Alpha Centauri A and B within four years, utilizing commercial tech and public-private partnerships.

Contribution

It introduces a cost-effective, rapid-deployment mission concept leveraging commercial components for exoplanet detection in nearby star systems.

Findings

Design feasibility of a small coronagraphic telescope in low-Earth orbit.

Potential to detect Earth-like exoplanets within 4 years.

Successful integration of commercial tech for space-based exoplanet search.

Abstract

Project Blue is designed to deliver a small coronagraphic space telescope mission to low-Earth orbit capable of detecting an Earth-like planet in the habitable zones of the Sun-like stars Alpha Centauri A and B within the next 4 years within a Mission of Opportunity budget envelope. The concept heavily leverages emerging commercial capabilities -- including the telescope optics, spacecraft bus and launch vehicle -- and emphasizes a public-private partnership approach.