Modular assembled space telescope

Abstract

Abstract. We present a new approach to building a modular segmented space telescope that greatly leverages the heritage of the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. The modular design in which mirror segments are assembled into identical panels allows for economies of scale and for efficient space assembly that make a 20-m aperture approach cost effective. This assembly approach can leverage NASA’s future capabilities and has the power to excite the public’s imagination. We discuss the science drivers, basic architecture, technology, and leveraged NASA infrastructure, concluding with a proposed plan for going forward. © 2013 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) [DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.52.9.091802

Architecture for in-space robotic assembly of a modular space telescope

“…20 Conceptual designs for space telescopes assembled in space include a robotically assembled 20-m telescope launched with an associated robot 21 or brought to the Space Station for assembly, 22 the filled aperture infrared telescope/dual anamorphic reflecting telescope 10 m concept assembled by astronauts at the Earth-Moon L1 point, 23 an autonomously assembled 10-m telescope, 24 a 30-m telescope assembled by robots at the Earth-Moon L2 point and subsequently transported to the Earth-Sun L2 point, and a modular 20-m telescope with a variety of possible assembly options and locations. 4 3 Features and Advantages of the Robotically Assembled, Modular Space Telescope Architecture…”

“…Such large diameter telescopes operating in the UV to near IR wavelengths would enable significant science return in characterizing terrestrial exoplanets and stellar populations, understanding galaxy halo and gas physics, and studying dark matter dynamics. 3,4 Here, we briefly summarize prior large telescope designs and in-space assembly techniques that provide context for the development of the RAMST architecture. …”

Design Analysis of a Passive Buffer System for Space-Assembled Segmented Mirrors

“…With the continuous advancement of human exploration of the universe, the demand for higher optical resolution has driven the aerospace observatory moving forward to the larger aperture ultraviolet-optical-infrared (UVOIR) space telescopes, with the primary mirror (PM) segmented [1,2]. The prospective space assembled telescope [3][4][5][6] will enable optical elements to be launched in batches, compared with traditional space optical telescopes employing monolithic optics [7]. Therefore, future space observation systems will overcome the launching mass and volume limitations.…”

Innovative telescope architectures for future large space observatories

“…The scientific case for very large space telescopes has been very well established by various studies over the past decade (as discussed by Thronson et al 1 ), most recently and particularly well by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) in its "From Cosmic Birth to Living Earths" study, 2 which presents a concept for a high definition space telescope (HDST). These observatory concepts all featured a single launch of a large telescope on a heavy lift launch vehicle (ranging up to an Space Launch System (SLS) Block 2), even though numerous authors [3][4][5] have discussed the advantages and feasibility of inspace assembly of large space telescopes. Perhaps the most detailed study of in-space telescope assembly was conducted by the NASA Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office (SSCO) and reported in 2010.…”