  The physical characterization of exoplanets will require to take spectra at
several orbital positions. For that purpose, a direct imaging capability is
necessary. Direct imaging requires an efficient stellar suppression mechanism,
associated with an ultrasmooth telescope. We show that before future large
space missions (interferometer, 4-8 m class coronograph, external occulter or
Fresnel imager), direct imaging of giant planets and close-by super-Earth are
at the cross-road of a high scientific interest and a reasonable feasibility.
The scientific interest lies in the fact that super-Earths share common
geophysical attributes with Earths. They already begin to be detected by radial
velocity (RV) and, together with giant planets, they have a larger area than
Earths, making them detectable with a 1.5-2 m class telescope in reflected
light. We propose such a (space) telescope be a first step before large direct
imaging missions.
