The Photonic Submillimeter Space Interferometer (PS2I) concept envisions a ~50-spacecraft array equipped with 4-meter deployable reflectors and heterodyne receivers, offering baselines of 1–2 kilometers and 100 GHz bandwidth. By using optical frequency comb (OFC) photonic technology, PS2I intends to efficiently transport signals and perform correlation, phasing, and calibration with reduced size, weight, and power demands suitable for space deployment.
PS2I aspires to perform sub-Astronomical Unit imaging of nearby protoplanetary disks and spectral imaging of ionized carbon emission in distant galaxies at redshifts 1–2, promising new insights into planet formation and galaxy evolution. As of 2026, the mission concept was proposed with estimated feasibility within a 15–20 year development horizon, relying on advancing photonic technologies alongside decreasing launch costs.
Source & further reading
PS2I: Transforming Submillimeter Space Interferometry with Photonic Technologies ↗Source published 2026-07-21. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.