Computer Science – Robotics
Scientific paper
Jan 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002mbns.conf...64v&link_type=abstract
The Moon Beyond 2002: Next Steps in Lunar Science and Exploration, p. 64
Computer Science
Robotics
Lunar Observatories, Robotics, Lunar Shadow, Infrared Telescopes, Communication Networks, Man Machine Systems, Cost Analysis, Superconducting Magnets, Laser Range Finders
Scientific paper
On the Moon, unique situations exist for observing the universe. The Polar areas contain permanently shadowed areas, which are among the coldest places in our solar system, within which the infrared background radiation that can disturb measurements is very low. Also disturbances generated on Earth are mostly out of view and thus the measurements can be much more sensitive in all wavelengths. The South Pole offers a good location for building such an observatory. Clementine mission data indicate that permanently shadowed areas are located within a few kilometers of a areas that are almost permanently lit by the sun. By placing a communication relay on one of the lunar mountains it is also possible to have a communications link for periods in which these shadowed areas can not be seen directly from Earth. The South Polar region of the Moon is also interesting geologically because it is located inside the largest basin on the moon (South Pole - Aitken Basin) as well as the possibility that ice may exist there. Shackleton Crater is suggested as a site for the placement and construction of the Lunar South Pole Infrared Telescope together with a communication relay lander at Malapert Mountain and another communication relay and energy supply lander at the Peak of Eternal Light, located near the rim of Shackleton. A near infrared telescope has been designed for emplacement in Shackleton that appears to have the same capabilities as the Next Generation Space Telescope except for sky coverage, which will be limited by the location and orientation. The telescope has a diameter of 8 meters and is an altitude-azimuth design. The bearings will be made of superconducting magnets that use fluxpinning to stabilize themselves while at the same time they are very energy-efficient. The foundation will be dug and constructed in-situ using robots and telepresence together with virtual reality and local laser rangefinders. If all goes well the telescope would have settlement no greater than 0,03 mm during operation. It would be possible for astronauts to maintain, repair and upgrade the telescope much in the same way that the Hubble Space Telescope has been maintained. When the telescope is built, an infrastructure will also have been created for energy supply and communications that can be used in subsequent missions. The total mission can be achieved by launching 3 Ariane 5 rockets in the year 2006 configuration that can launch 20,000 kg into GTO. New studies of the construction of even larger telescopes have also been undertaken.. One additional aspect that will be very important is the synergy between humans and robots and their role in transport, construction, operation, maintenance, etc. is addressed in these new studies. Also an attempt will be made to make a parametric cost model for different scenario's as well as the technology readiness levels for the techniques necessary to build a telescope with the capacity of the 'planet finder', equivalent up to 1000 sq m of photon collecting surface. Part of the scenario definition and conceptual design of a large lunar telescope has also been done in the lunar base design workshop, held from 10-21 of June at ESTEC, NL. After the conceptual phase there will be a more engineering oriented workshop, which will be held in the concurrent design facility at ESTEC. This paper includes discussion of recent progress on these studies.
No associations
LandOfFree
Study Towards Human Aided Construction of Large Lunar Telescopes 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 Study Towards Human Aided Construction of Large Lunar Telescopes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Study Towards Human Aided Construction of Large Lunar Telescopes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1835273