Conceptual design of an autonomously assembled space telescope (AAST)

Santanu Basu

doi:10.1117/12.516464

30 January 2004 Conceptual design of an autonomously assembled space telescope (AAST)

Santanu Basu

Proceedings Volume 5166, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes: Innovative Technologies and Concepts; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.516464
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We will present a new approach to enable very large aperture telescopes in space. The approach is to autonomously assemble a segmented filled aperture telescope in space using components which may be launched into orbit using multiple launches. Autonomous assembly is a technology that can break the 10 m barrier in space optics imposed by launch vehicle limitations. The autonomously assembled space telescope (AAST) will follow the lead of Hubble telescope which uses monolithic optics, and JWST, which will implement deployable optics. An autonomously assembled space telescope of greater than 10 m diameter can significantly enhance the resolution and detection limit for imaging and space science, as well as enable formation of cost effective telescope constellations in space.

Citation Download Citation

Santanu Basu "Conceptual design of an autonomously assembled space telescope (AAST)", Proc. SPIE 5166, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes: Innovative Technologies and Concepts, (30 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.516464

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