Pyxis: A ground-based demonstrator for formation-flying optical interferometry

TL;DR

Pyxis is a ground-based demonstrator designed to validate the precision metrology and formation flying techniques essential for future space-based optical interferometry aimed at exoplanet discovery.

Contribution

This paper introduces Pyxis, a novel ground-based platform that tests key technologies for space interferometry, including multi-stage metrology and formation control systems.

Findings

Demonstrated high-precision metrology capabilities

Validated formation flying control systems

Outlined pathway for satellite constellation deployment

Abstract

In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in studies towards space-based optical/infrared interferometry, particularly with the vision to use the technique to discover and characterise temperate Earth-like exoplanets around solar analogues. One of the key technological leaps needed to make such a mission feasible is demonstrating that formation flying precision at the level needed for interferometry is possible. Here, we present $\textit{Pyxis}$, a ground-based demonstrator for a future small satellite mission with the aim to demonstrate the precision metrology needed for space-based interferometry. We describe the science potential of such a ground-based instrument, and detail the various subsystems: three six-axis robots, a multi-stage metrology system, an integrated optics beam combiner and the control systems required for the necessary precision and stability. We end by looking towards the next stage of $\textit{Pyxis}$: a collection of small satellites in Earth orbit.