A systems framework for space-based telescope design trade space exploration under uncertainty

Abstract

Efficiently characterizing the relative differences in performance between early telescope design concepts is important when identifying individual concepts for further study. This paper presents a simulation-based model for the exploration of the design trade space of a space-based telescope in the presence of uncertainty. A systems framework is introduced that considers both multi-objective optimization and uncertainty quantification over the design space. The incorporation of uncertainty when exploring the trade space can help to identify concepts that are best suited for accomplishing a specific goal and can maximize the knowledge about a design early in the mission lifecycle.