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Optical design of a modular segmented space telescope

  • Jacob Shapiro
  • , Dean Keithly
  • , Gabriel Soto
  • , Dmitry Savransky
  • , Erik Gustafson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Space observatories have many advantages over ground-based telescopes. However, constructing and launching large space telescopes remains a significant challenge. A solution to this problem lies in autonomous, in-space assembly. To gain benefits from efficiencies of scale and mass production, a modular telescope assembled in space can be constructed from identical mirror segments. These identical segments must then be deformed to an appropriate shape in space. This work examines the optical feasibility of such a project, using a 31 meter Ritchey-Chrétien telescope composed of about 1,000 1-m mirrors as a case study. In particular, this work examines the shape of the telescope optics through Zernike decomposition and computes the physical optics propagation of such a system to analyze the resultant PSF with simulation in Zemax OpticStudio.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAstronomical Optics
Subtitle of host publicationDesign, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems II
EditorsTony B. Hull, Dae Wook Kim, Pascal Hallibert
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510629257
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
EventAstronomical Optics: Design, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems II 2019 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 12 2019Aug 15 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume11116
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAstronomical Optics: Design, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems II 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period08/12/1908/15/19

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