Atmospheric characterization with the Twinkle Space Telescope following advances from JWST observations

ABSTRACT The Twinkle Space Telescope is a satellite designed for spectroscopic observations of a wide range of extrasolar and Solar system objects. Equipped with a 0.45 m diameter telescope and a spectrometer covering from 0.5 to 4.5 μm simultaneously, Twinkle will be launched in a sun-synchronous, low-Earth orbit, and it is expected to operate for 7 yr. Twinkle is developed, managed, and operated by Blue Skies Space Ltd., a space science data company whose vision is to accelerate and expand the availability of new, high-quality data sets to researchers worldwide, complementing the space-observatories delivered by government space agencies. Over its lifetime, Twinkle will conduct large-scale survey programs. The scientific objectives and observational strategy of these surveys are defined by researchers who join the Science Team. Leveraging advances made possible by recent observations with the James Webb Space Telescope, we present here updated simulations evaluating Twinkle’s observational capabilities in the context of exoplanet atmospheres. Through retrieval analyses of HD 209458 b, WASP-107 b, GJ 3470 b, and 55 Cnc e, we demonstrate how increasing observational investment enhances the retrieval of atmospheric parameters and molecular abundances. Our sensitivity study highlights Twinkle’s capability to detect less abundant/detectable molecules depending on the observing strategies adopted. This work provides practical guidance for developing targeted observational strategies to maximize Twinkle’s scientific return.