  In support of the National Acadamies' Exoplanet Science Strategy, this
whitepaper outlines key technology challenges for studying the diversity of
worlds in the Galaxy and in searching for habitable planets. Observations of
habitable planets outside of our solar system require technologies enabling the
measurement of (1) spectral signatures of gases in their atmospheres, some of
which may be of biological origin, and (2) planetary mass. Technology gaps must
be closed in many areas. In some cases, performance requirements are 1-2 orders
of magnitude from the current state-of-the-art. Thes technology gaps are in the
areas of: starlight suppression (for reflection or emission spectroscopy;
coronagraphs or starshades, contrast stability, detector sensitivity,
collecting area, spectroscopic sensitivity, radial stellar motion sensitivity,
and tangential stellar motion sensitivity. The technologies advancing to close
these gaps are identified through the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program's
(ExEP's) annual Technology Selection and Prioritization Process in
collaboration with the larger exoplanet science and technology communities.
Details can be found in the annual ExEP Technology Plan Appendix. Looking
towards the more distant future, the size of a desired single-aperture space
telescope, even when folded, may exceed current launch capabilities, suggesting
the study of in-space assembly approaches. Additionally, mid-infrared spectral
observations of candidate habitable worlds may be needed to rule out false
positives observed at shorter wavelengths and add supportive evidence.
Consequently, single aperture telescopes may prove impractically large and
space interferometry may be needed, as identified in NASA's 30 year roadmap
Enduring Quests, Daring Visions
