A new dawn in astronomical calibration

NASA is embarking on a pioneering mission to send an artificial star into space, spearheaded by researchers at George Mason University. This innovative project, named after the esteemed late astronomer Arlo Landolt, carries a price tag of $19.5 million. Its primary objective is to aid scientists in calibrating telescopes and enhancing the accuracy of stellar brightness measurements.

What is the Landolt mission?

The mission aims to unlock key astrophysical enigmas, such as determining the speed and acceleration of the universe’s expansion. Scheduled for launch by 2029, the Landolt mission will introduce an artificial light source into the cosmos. This synthetic star, with its precisely known photon emission rate, will be observed in conjunction with real stars to assist researchers in developing new stellar brightness catalogs.

Precision in cosmic observation

The satellite designed for this mission will house eight lasers, illuminating ground-based optical telescopes for more accurate cosmic observations. Eliad Peretz, a NASA Goddard mission and instrument scientist involved in the initiative, emphasized the mission’s significance: “This mission focuses on measuring fundamental properties essential to astronomical observations.” He highlighted the potential impact on our understanding of stellar properties, surface temperatures, and exoplanet habitability.

Technological collaboration with NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is tasked with developing the satellite’s payload, which will be roughly the size of a breadbox. The artificial star will synchronize with Earth’s rotational speed, remaining stationary over the US during its inaugural year in space. Although invisible to the naked eye, it can be observed through a home telescope.

This ambitious venture is set to redefine our understanding of the cosmos, marking a significant leap in astronomical research and calibration.