Star & planet formation: Upcoming opportunities in the space-based infrared

Abstract

While ALMA and JWST are revolutionizing our view of star and planet formation with their unprecedented sensitivity and resolution at submillimeter and near-IR wavelengths, many outstanding questions can only be answered with observations in the thermal (mid- and far-) infrared domain. Many of these questions require space-based observations, to achieve the necessary sensitivity and/or wavelength coverage. In particular, how do interstellar clouds develop filamentary structures and dense cores? What are the masses and luminosities of objects at the earliest stages of star formation? What are the gas masses of planet-forming disks, and how do these disks disperse during planet formation? How is refractory and volatile material distributed within the disks, and how does this evolve with time? This article reviews how upcoming and planned balloon-borne and space-based telescopes for the mid- and far-infrared will address these questions, and outlines which further missions will be needed beyond 2030, when the ELTs will be in full operation.