Abstract:
The Supernova / Acceleration Probe (SNAP) is a proposed experiment designed to provide precision measurements of the cosmological parameters and probe the time evolution of the dark energy responsible for the acceleration of the expansion of the Universe. I will review how Type Ia supernovae are used to study the constituents of the Universe and summarize current results from supernova and other cosmological experiments. I will also describe the current SNAP mission concept. I will introduce a detailed simulation and provide some examples of how it is used to optimize instruments, define specifications, justify a space mission, and determine the SNAP science yield. I will conclude with a review of current activities and long-term goals for simulations.