Operation Starshade

The Jet Propulsion Lab is currently working to tackle one of the most challenging issues in space imaging, and their approach is pretty spectacular. Until now, astronomers have been limited to only indirect methods of detecting planets orbiting far off suns. The issue is that the light from the planets' sun is far greater than the light emitted by planets themselves. To overcome this issue, the JPL is working to suppress the star's light.

Their approach to this revolves around a revolutionary apparatus, called a starshade. With a design that looks straight out of science fiction, the starshade is in the early stages of becoming a reality. The starshade is capable of being incorporated in a two-part spacecraft that allows for the use of pre-existing space telescopes. Additionally, it's unique outer petal design causes less bending of light, which prevents the stars light from leaking around the edges. 

According to the project's lead engineer, Dr. Stuart Shaklan, "Less light bending means that the starshade shadow is very dark, so the telescope can take images of the planets without being overwhelmed by starlight" (http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15). 

Below is a series of images that depict how the starshade will operate.

Initially, the starshade and telescope portion of the spacecraft are attached as a two part apparatus.

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

 The starshade then begins to rotate open and detach from the telescope, using built in thrusters. 

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

 The starshade continues to spin open, while beginning to align itself to the proper position for starlight supression.

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

 With the starshade fully open, the individual outer petals rotate into position to compete the final form of the shade blanket. 

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

 Finally, the starshade and telescope move into position with their respective thrusters and align with their target for image capturing.

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

 With the starshade in place, the telescope can begin taking images with the light from the star suppressed, and the newly visible planets clearly in sight. 

http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/video/15

The development of JPL's starshade hold potential for a major leap in space imaging and planet discovery. It would open the possibility of discovering planets that may be similar to earth and hold potential for hosting life forms.

Below is a video of simulation of the starshade in action!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxLfJVoGBYU