The ESCAPE mission will study the evolution of exoplanet atmospheres
The habitable zone concept is useful for understanding which worlds might, possibly, maybe, be habitable. It highlights exoplanets at the right distances from their stars for liquid water to potentially exist on their surfaces. But that alone can't determine habitability.
The Extreme-ultraviolet Stellar Characterization for Atmospheric Physics and Evolution (ESCAPE) mission is a proposed NASA Small Explorer concept designed to study the factors influencing exoplanet atmosphere evolution. This mission seeks to fill crucial knowledge gaps regarding how stars affect planetary habitability over time.
The ESCAPE instrument will utilize extreme- and far-ultraviolet spectroscopy to investigate extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and coronal mass ejection (CME) impacts on atmospheric mass loss. By observing a diverse range of stars, ESCAPE aims to improve models predicting atmospheric retention and habitability in various stellar environments.
The two-year mission will employ two surveys: Stellar EUV Environments (SEEN) and Dedicated EUV Eruption Program (DEEP). SEEN will observe 276 F-, G-, K-, and M-dwarf stars, while DEEP will monitor 24 stars in detail. ESCAPE's advanced sensitivity, 50 times greater than its predecessor, EUVE, will allow for extended research on comets, interstellar comets, and nonhabitable exoplanets, potentially revealing connections between these bodies and their parent systems.
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