The MM/SUB-MM foregrounds and future CMB space missions

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Abstract
Following COBE, several second generation satellites dedicated to mapping the anisotropies of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at high resolution and sensitivity are currently under study by space agencies. In particular COBRAS/SAMBA is in a phase A study at ESA, with a decision expected mid 1996, for a launch around 2003. Many crucial scientific questions will be solved if one succeeds to know with high precision the sub‐degree angular scales of the anisotropies. The extent to which that can be achieved depends on our ability to separate the CMB fluctuations from those due to foregrounds. After briefly reviewing the scientific potential of such high precision experiments, we present below a modeling of the galactic foregrounds which suggests that the CMB anisotropies will by far dominate the other sources, in a large fraction of the sky, at least at some frequencies. Additionally, this modeling shows that the scientifically important small scales can be reached more easily at relatively high frequencies (past the black‐body peak), while lower frequencies are more appropriate for degree scale anisotropies. We proceed by describing the current COBRAS/SAMBA concept. Finally, we describe detailed simulations of 10 by 10 degree patches of the millimeter and sub‐millimeter sky, and the first results obtained concerning the accuracy of the foregrounds separation. In particular, we present recovered maps of the Sunyaev‐Zeldovich effect which suggest that much more than 1,000 clusters will be detected.

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