Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Jan 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008aipc..969..511r&link_type=abstract
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM-STAIF 2008: 12th Conference on Thermophysics Applications in Microgravity;
Physics
Optics
Astronomical And Space-Research Instrumentation, Adaptive And Segmented Optics
Scientific paper
The feasibility of very large, extremely low specific mass space structures deployed by magnetic forces has been validated by detailed Magnetic Inflated Cable (MIC) engineering studies. Methods for achieving optically precise surfaces of such structures have also been justified by experiments and engineering studies of the Phased Array Mirror Extendable Large Aperture (PAMELA). In this paper, we propose an early application of combined MIC/PAMELA technologies to achieve revolutionary telescope performance at relatively low cost. Ultra low-weight membranes or meshes hundreds of meters in diameter are combined with self-actuated thin silicon segments to achieve near-diffraction-limited optical performance. The resulting system will enable decisive cosmological observations, imaging of relativistic astrophysics environments, and spectrographic analysis of Earth-like planets of other stars. Similar telescopes can achieve full time earth surveillance from high orbits.
Powell Ralph J.
Rather John D. G.
Zeiders Glenn W.
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