Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jun 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994adspr..14..129r&link_type=abstract
Advances in Space Research, vol. 14, no. 6, p. (6)129-(6)135
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Aluminum, Astronomical Observatories, Lunar Bases, Mirrors, Diffraction Limited Cameras, High Resolution, Instrument Packages, Moon, Space, Utilization, Astronomy, Technical Aspects, Telescopes, Equipment, Moon-Based Observations, Design, Aluminum, Interferometry
Scientific paper
Future optical observatories in space will require telescopes of very high resolution. To satisfy this demand, technology must be developed for large mirrors capable of diffraction-limited imaging. Conventional monolithic glass substrates (light-weight or not) have serious limitations for future development. In particular, glass is susceptible to fracture during ground-handling, transport and launch. An alternative solution is aluminium. It has lower cost, increased strength, easier and safer methods of fixing, amongst other advantages. It is readily lightweighted and can be produced with good polishing quality with nickel coating. We foresee applications for satellite telescope for astronomy, remote sensing, surveys of asteroids and debris in space. Furthermore, this technology is ideally suitable for lunar mounted interferometric experiments - as mirrors can be easily replicate, saving cost - and for telescopes deployed on planetary surfaces. Some results from the European Eureka Large Active Mirrors in Aluminium (LAMA) are here presented, which show the feasibility of such systems.
Bingham Richard
Rozelot Jean-Pierre
Walker Danielle
No associations
LandOfFree
Lightweight telescopes for lunar observatories does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Lightweight telescopes for lunar observatories, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Lightweight telescopes for lunar observatories will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1862416