Showing papers by "Andreas Papageorgiou published in 2021"
TL;DR: ExoSim is an end-to-end simulator that models noise and systematics in a dynamical simulation that can capture temporal effects, such as correlated noise andSystematics on the light curve and has many potential applications in the field of transit spectroscopy.
Abstract: A new generation of exoplanet research beckons and with it the need for simulation tools that accurately predict signal and noise in transit spectroscopy observations. We developed ExoSim: an end-to-end simulator that models noise and systematics in a dynamical simulation. ExoSim improves on previous simulators in the complexity of its simulation, versatility of use and its ability to be generically applied to different instruments. It performs a dynamical simulation that can capture temporal effects such as correlated noise and systematics on the light curve. It has also been extensively validated, including against real results from the Hubble WFC3 instrument. We find ExoSim is accurate to within 5% in most comparisons. ExoSim can interact with other models which simulate specific time-dependent processes. A dedicated star spot simulator allows ExoSim to produce simulated observations that include spot and facula contamination. ExoSim has been used extensively in the Phase A and B design studies of the ARIEL mission, and has many potential applications in the field of transit spectroscopy.
9 citations
Open University1, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory2, University of Oxford3, INAF4, Cardiff University5, Netherlands Institute for Space Research6, Sapienza University of Rome7, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris8, Spanish National Research Council9, Instituto Politécnico Nacional10, University College London11, European Space Agency12
TL;DR: The ground segment for the ESA M4 Ariel exoplanet space mission encompasses the framework necessary to support the development of the Ariel mission to launch, in-flight operations and calibration, data processing pipeline and data handling, including user support.
Abstract: The ground segment for the ESA M4 Ariel exoplanet space mission is introduced. The ground segment encompasses the framework necessary to support the development of the Ariel mission to launch, in-flight operations and calibration, data processing pipeline and data handling, including user support. The structure of the ground segment and assumed responsibilities between ESA and the Ariel mission consortium is explained, along with their interfaces. The operational phases for the mission are introduced, including the early commissioning/verification phases, the science operations and the calibration strategy. The smooth transition of the ground segment through the various pre/post launch mission phases to nominal operations will be paramount in guaranteeing the success, scientific return and impact of the Ariel mission. The expected science data products are defined and a representative data processing pipeline is presented.
2 citations