Towards ASTEP+, a two-color photometric telescope at Dome C, Antarctica

Dome C, Antarctica is unique in particular for long-duration astronomical observations due to the excellent weather conditions and nearly uninterrupted nights during the Southern winter period. The 40 cm telescope ASTEP has been operating successfully at the Concordia base, at Dome C, since 2010. We describe the new ASTEP+, a major upgrade of its camera box which will allow it to observe simultaneously in two colors. Approximately three times more photons will be collected for science, yielding more sensitive and accurate observations. The southern location of the telescope means that it is ideally located to follow-up exoplanetary targets in preparation for the future JWST and Ariel observations, in particular when located in the southern continuous viewing zones of these space-based telescopes.