Studies have identified the key technology developments needed for TPF. For most of these developments,
advanced ground and space based telescopes and interferometers are currently in operation or under
development and they will provide this technology heritage for TPF to build on.
Two main items require special additional development, interferometric nulling in space, and
control of separate spacecraft and formation flying. Both of these items have development planned
for precursor missions and ground observations. Both will also require some special development for TPF.
NASA plans to fully support the development of TPF prior to full scale development.