Evolution of the SOFIA Telescope system design: lessons learned during design and fabrication

Hans Juergen Kaercher

doi:10.1117/12.458581

3 March 2003 Evolution of the SOFIA Telescope system design: lessons learned during design and manufacturing

Hans Juergen Kaercher

Proceedings Volume 4857, Airborne Telescope Systems II; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.458581
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The SOFIA Telescope System Design is very different from any other earthbound or space telescope design. The only somehow similar telescope is that of the Kuiper Airborne Observatory KAO dating about 40 years ago. In the course of the SOFIA program development an enormous number of concepts for the telescope were drafted (e.g. the author drafted at least 5 different concepts). The concepts were from very near to the KAO to very different. Now, after the finally chosen concept is realized, it is time 1. to look back on lessons learned during the realization, what was good, what was troublesome; and 2. to look from this viewpoint to the future of the SOFIA telescope itself as well as what should be taken in mind for the next telescope projects.

Citation Download Citation

Hans Juergen Kaercher "Evolution of the SOFIA Telescope system design: lessons learned during design and manufacturing", Proc. SPIE 4857, Airborne Telescope Systems II, (3 March 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.458581

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