The ASTRA project: a doorway to future astrometry

TL;DR

The ASTRA project is a bilateral effort to advance astrometric measurement technologies, critically analyze Gaia's methods, and demonstrate high-precision experiments for future cosmological and planetary research.

Contribution

It introduces three demonstration tests focusing on multi-field telescopes, astrometric metrology, and ultra-fine sub-pixel precision to enable future high-precision astrometry.

Findings

Assessment of Gaia's methodology and performance

Development of demonstration experiments for high-precision astrometry

Identification of key technological challenges and solutions

Abstract

Astrometric Science and Technology Roadmap for Astrophysics (ASTRA) is a bilateral cooperation between China and Italy with the goal of consolidating astrometric measurement concepts and technologies. In particular, the objectives include critical analysis of the Gaia methodology and performance, as well as principle demonstration experiments aimed at future innovative astrometric applications requiring high precision over large angular separations (one to 180 degrees). Such measurement technologies will be the building blocks for future instrumentation focused on the "great questions" of modern cosmology, like General Relativity validity (including Dark Matter and Dark Energy behavior), formation and evolution of structure like proto-galaxies, and planetary systems formation in bio compatibles environments. We describe three principle demonstration tests designed to address some of the potential showstoppers for high astrometric precision experiments. The three tests are focused on the key concepts of multiple fields telescopes, astrometric metrology and very fine sub-pixel precision (goal: <1/2000 pixel) in white light.