Large aperture space telescope mirror fabrication trades

Stephen E. Kendrick; H. Philip Stahl

doi:10.1117/12.788067

12 July 2008 Large aperture space telescope mirror fabrication trades

Proceedings Volume 7010, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter; 70102G (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788067
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

A number of upcoming astrophysical investigation concepts are based on large aperture spaceborne telescopes. The basic science goals drive the required aperture to gather sufficient resolution and signal for reasonable integrations to complete their planned design reference missions. In addition, certain fundamental requirements may dictate whether or not a monolithic aperture is required or a segmented mirror array is acceptable. The operating temperature and required performance (absolute and stability over time) are other important drivers. Based on such performance requirements a number of mirror manufacturing trades can be performed to balance the technical performance, cost, and schedule. We will discuss some of the overarching architectural and material trades along with particular manufacturing processes (and their related step functions) that are integral to selecting primary mirror approaches. We will include examples ranging from a few meters up to 16 meters which can be packaged into existing launch shrouds or in significantly expanded future resources such as the Ares V.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen E. Kendrick and H. Philip Stahl "Large aperture space telescope mirror fabrication trades", Proc. SPIE 7010, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2008: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, 70102G (12 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788067

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