NASA NTRS · 20110023497
The Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST): Science Drivers and Technology Developments
Abstract
The Advanced Technology Large-Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST) is a concept for an 8-meter to 16-meter UVOIR space observatory for launch in the 2025-2030 era. ATLAST will allow astronomers to answer fundamental questions at the forefront of modern astrophysics, including "Is there life elsewhere in the Galaxy?" We present a range of science drivers and the resulting performance requirements for ATLAST (8 to 16 milliarcsecond angular resolution, diffraction limited imaging at 0.5 m wavelength, minimum collecting area of 45 square meters, high sensitivity to light wavelengths from 0.1 m to 2.4 m, high stability in wavefront sensing and control). We also discuss the priorities for technology development needed to enable the construction of ATLAST for a cost that is comparable to current generation observatory-class space missions. Keywords: Advanced Technology Large-Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST); ultraviolet/optical space telescopes; astrophysics; astrobiology; technology development.
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Postman, Marc, Brown, Tom, Sembach, Kenneth, Giavalisco, Mauro, Traub, Wesley, Stapelfeldt, Karl, Calzetti, Daniela, Oegerle, William, Rich, R. Michael, Stahl, H. Phillip, Tumlinson, Jason, Mountain, Matt, Soummer, Remi, Hyde, Tupper. 2011-01-01. The Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST): Science Drivers and Technology Developments. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20110023497
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