The joint infrared space observatory SPICA: unveiling the obscured universe

The mid/far infrared hosts a wealth of spectral information that allows direct determination of the physical state of matter in a large variety of astronomical objects, unhindered by foreground obscuration. Accessing this domain is essential for astronomers to much better grasp the fundamental physical processes underlying the evolution of many types of celestial objects, ranging from protoplanetary systems in our own milky way to 10-12 billion year old galaxies at the high noon of galaxy formation in our universe. The joint ESA/JAXA SPICA mission will give such access for the astronomical community at large, by providing an observatory with unprecedented mid- to far-infrared imaging, polarimetric and spectroscopic capabilities.