Pandora Mission: NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Endeavour

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: 

Overview

• Scheduled for launch in 2025, Pandora aims to study exoplanet atmospheres.
• The mission addresses the high demand for observation time on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
• Focus areas include clouds, hazes, and the presence of water in distant worlds.

About Exoplanets

• Exoplanets orbit stars outside the solar system.
• They provide insights into planetary formation and the potential for extraterrestrial life.
• NASA has confirmed over 5,800 exoplanets, many of which require detailed atmospheric studies.

Mission Objectives

• Study atmospheres of at least 20 exoplanets, including gas giants and super-Earths.
• Detect key atmospheric components like water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide.
• Monitor stellar activity to understand its impact on planetary signals.
• Complement JWST observations and refine exoplanet models.

Key Features

• Equipped with a 17.7-inch (45 cm) aperture Cassegrain telescope.
• Smaller but capable of prolonged observations compared to JWST.
• Uses the transit method to analyze light passing through exoplanet atmospheres.

Addressing Observational Challenges

• Long-duration observations help differentiate between stellar variations and planetary signals.
• Multiple observation sessions per exoplanet ensure comprehensive data collection.

Importance of Water Detection

• Water vapor is a key indicator of potential habitability.
• Pandora’s emphasis on water detection aligns with the search for “water worlds” capable of sustaining life.

Complementary Role in Research

• Supports JWST and other missions by refining atmospheric models.
• Enhances understanding of exoplanet diversity and evolution through detailed data collection.

Future Impact

• Pandora represents a step forward in exoplanet research.
• Its findings may guide future missions and contribute to identifying Earth-like, habitable planets.