Direct detection and characterization of Earth-like planets around Sun-like stars is a core task for evaluating the prevalence of habitability and life in the Universe. Here, we discuss a promising option for achieving this goal, which is based on placing an occulter in orbit and having it project its shadow onto the E-ELT at the surface of Earth, thus providing a sufficient contrast for imaging and taking spectra of Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of Sun-like stars. Doing so at a sensible fuel budget will require tailored orbits, an occulter with a high area-to-mass ratio, and appropriate instrumentation at the E-ELT. In this White Paper, submitted in response to the ESA Voyage 2050 Call, we outline the fundamental aspects of the concept, and the most important technical developments that will be required to develop a full mission.

直接探测和表征围绕类太阳恒星的类地行星是评估宇宙中宜居性和生命普遍性的核心任务。在这里，我们讨论了实现这一目标的一个有前景的选择，它基于在轨道上放置一个掩星并将其阴影投射到地球表面的 E-ELT 上，从而为成像和获取地球光谱提供足够的对比度类太阳恒星宜居带中的类行星。在合理的燃料预算下这样做将需要定制的轨道、具有高面积质量比的掩星器以及 E-ELT 的适当仪器。在为响应 ESA Voyage 2050 号召而提交的这份白皮书中，我们概述了该概念的基本方面，以及制定完整任务所需的最重要的技术发展。