Orbiting astronomical satellite for investigating stellar systems (OASIS): a paradigm shift in realizing large space telescopes

OASIS (Orbiting Astronomical Satellite for Investigating Stellar Systems) is a space-based, MIDEX mission concept that employs a 14 meter inflatable aperture and cryogenic heterodyne receivers to perform high resolution (R>10(6)) observations at terahertz frequencies. OASIS targets far-infrared transitions of H2O and its isotopologues, as well as HD and other molecular species from 660 to 63 mu m that are otherwise obscured by the Earth's atmosphere. OASIS will have >10x the collecting area and >4x the angular resolution of Herschel and complements the short wavelength capabilities of JWST. With its large collecting area and suite of terahertz heterodyne receivers, OASIS will have the sensitivity to follow the water trail from galaxies to oceans. OASIS represents a paradigm shift in the realization of large space apertures. Our paper will focus on how the development work for OASIS can be leveraged to realize a new generation of space telescopes.