First Steps in Direct Imaging of Planetary Systems Like our Own: The Science Potential of 2-m Class Optical Space Telescopes

2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/134116We summarize the scientific potential of high contrast optical space imaging for studies of extrasolar planets, debris disks, and planet formation. The unique scientific capabilities offered by a 2-m class optical telescope, the technical requirements to achieve 10^-9 contrast, and the programmatic means needed to advance such a mission are discussed.7 pages, 1 figure. White paper submitted to the AAAC Exoplanet Task Force, spring 2007AstrophysicsFirst Steps in Direct Imaging of Planetary Systems Like our Own: The Science Potential of 2-m Class Optical Space Telescopestext