Mid- and far-infrared astronomy mission SPICA Original Research Article

We present an overview and the current status of SPICA (Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics), which is an astronomical mission with a cryogenically cooled 3.5 m telescope optimized for mid- and far-infrared astronomy. Because of its high spatial resolution and unprecedented sensitivity in the mid- to far-infrared, SPICA can address a number of key problems in current astrophysics, ranging from the star-formation history of the universe to the formation of planets. To reduce the mass of the whole mission, SPICA carries no cryogen. SPICA will be launched at ambient temperature and cooled down on orbit by mechanical coolers on board with an efficient radiative cooling system. This combination enables a 3.5-m class cooled (4.5 K) telescope in space. We also describe recent activities of the technology development programs for SPICA. The target year of the launch of SPICA is mid 2010s.