The ASTRA project: a doorway to future astrometry

Abstract: Astrometric Science and Technology Roadmap for Astrophysics (ASTRA) is a bilateral cooperation between China and Italy with the goal of consolidating astrometric measurement concepts and technologies. In particular, the objectives include critical analysis of the Gaia methodology and performance, as well as principle demonstration experiments aimed at future innovative astrometric applications requiring high precision over large angular separations (one to 180 degrees). Such measurement technologies will be the building blocks for future instrumentation focused on the "great questions" of modern cosmology, like General Relativity validity (including Dark Matter and Dark Energy behavior), formation and evolution of structure like proto-galaxies, and planetary systems formation in bio compatibles environments. We describe three principle demonstration tests designed to address some of the potential showstoppers for high astrometric precision experiments. The three tests are focused on the key concepts of multiple fields telescopes, astrometric metrology and very fine sub-pixel precision (goal: <1/2000 pixel) in white light.