Revolutionary astrophysics using an incoherent synthetic optical aperture

Gerard L. Rafanelli; Christopher M Cosner; Susan B. Spencer; Douglas Wolfe; Arthur Newman; Ronald Polidan; Supriya Chakrabarti

doi:10.1117/12.2272782

5 September 2017 Revolutionary astrophysics using an incoherent synthetic optical aperture

Gerard L. Rafanelli, Christopher M Cosner, Susan B. Spencer, Douglas Wolfe, Arthur Newman, Ronald Polidan, Supriya Chakrabarti

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 10398, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts VIII; 103980P (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2272782
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2017, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We describe a paradigm shift for astronomical observatories that would replace circular apertures with rotating synthetic apertures. Rotating Synthetic Aperture (RSA) observatories can enable high value science measurements for the lowest mass to orbit, have superior performance relative to all sparse apertures, can provide resolution of 20m to 30m apertures having the collecting area of 8m to 12m telescopes with much less mass, risk, schedule, and cost. RSA is based on current, or near term technology and can be launched on a single, current launch vehicle to L2. Much larger apertures are possible using the NASA Space Launch System.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Gerard L. Rafanelli, Christopher M Cosner, Susan B. Spencer, Douglas Wolfe, Arthur Newman, Ronald Polidan, and Supriya Chakrabarti "Revolutionary astrophysics using an incoherent synthetic optical aperture", Proc. SPIE 10398, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts VIII, 103980P (5 September 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2272782

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