Concept for a large scalable space telescope: in-space assembly

W. R. Oegerle; L. R. Purves; J. G. Budinoff; R. V. Moe; T. M. Carnahan; D. C. Evans; C. K. Kim

doi:10.1117/12.672244

14 June 2006 Concept for a large scalable space telescope: in-space assembly

W. R. Oegerle, L. R. Purves, J. G. Budinoff, R. V. Moe, T. M. Carnahan, D. C. Evans, C. K. Kim

Proceedings Volume 6265, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter; 62652C (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672244
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

We present a conceptual design for a scalable (10-50 meter segmented filled-aperture) space observatory operating at UV-optical-near infrared wavelengths. This telescope is designed for assembly in space by robots, astronauts or a combination of the two, as envisioned in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration. Our operations concept for this space telescope provides for assembly and check-out in an Earth Moon L2 (EML2) orbit, and transport to a Sun-Earth L2 (SEL2) orbit for science operations and routine servicing, with return to EML2 for major servicing. We have developed and analyzed initial designs for the optical, structural, thermal and attitude control systems for a 30-m aperture space telescope. We further describe how the separate components are packaged for launch by heavy lift vehicle(s) and the approach for the robot assembly of the telescope from these components.

Citation Download Citation

W. R. Oegerle, L. R. Purves, J. G. Budinoff, R. V. Moe, T. M. Carnahan, D. C. Evans, and C. K. Kim "Concept for a large scalable space telescope: in-space assembly", Proc. SPIE 6265, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, 62652C (14 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672244

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available