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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2013

Telescope Innovations Improve Speed, Accuracy of Eye Surgery

One of the main components of NASA's vision for the future of space exploration will actually have a keen eye for the past. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scheduled to launch in 2018, will have spectacular sight, after it reaches orbit, one of its main goals is to observe the first galaxies that formed in the early universe. "JWST offers new capabilities in the infrared well beyond what we can see from current telescopes, either on the ground or in space. It will let us explore the early universe, extrasolar planets, and really, all branches of astrophysics," says Lee Feinberg, optical telescope element manager for the JWST at Goddard Space Flight Center. Building such a keen space telescope is an astronomic task. Because JWST will gaze over such incredible distances, it requires very large mirrors. In fact, the primary mirror will be more than two stories in diameter and consists of 18 separate segments. Each segment must be perfectly smooth, flat, and scratch-free in order to deliver a view 13 billion light years away. Construction of the 18 mirror segments involved measuring, grinding, polishing, and testing - and more measuring, grinding, polishing, and testing - and more measuring, grinding, polishing, and testing (you get the idea). One of the most time consuming steps of the mirror development process, the grinding phase, can take years.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2009

NASA SBIR Subtopic S2.04 "Advanced Optical Components"

The primary purpose of this subtopic is to develop and demonstrate technologies to manufacture ultra-low-cost precision optical systems for very large x-ray, UV/optical or infrared telescopes. Potential solutions include but are not limited to direct precision machining, rapid optical fabrication, slumping or replication technologies to manufacture 1 to 2 meter (or larger) precision quality mirror or lens segments (either normal incidence for uv/optical/infrared or grazing incidence for x-ray). An additional key enabling technology for UV/optical telescopes is a broadband (from 100 nm to 2500 nm) high-reflectivity mirror coating with extremely uniform amplitude and polarization properties which can be deposited on 1 to 3 meter class mirror.

Stahl, H. Philip↗
NASA NTRS1970

Toroidal mirrors provide virtual walls for breaks in light pipes

Section of light pipe consists of separated segments having opposed toroidal mirrors that intercept meridional rays to present virtual wall in space between mirrors, thus insuring uninterrupted light transmission down the pipe. Design affords internal access to pipe section. Segments are electrically or thermally insulated from one another.

Young, N.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Laser Metrology for Ultra-Stable Space-Based Coronographs

Sensing starlight rejected from a coronagraph is essential in stabilizing the telescope pointing and wavefront drift, but performance is degraded for dim stars. Laser Metrology (MET) provides a different, complementary sensing method, one that can be used to measure changes in the alignment of the optics at high bandwidth, independent of the magnitude of the host star. Laser metrology measures changes in the separation of optical fiducial pairs, which can be separated by many meters. The principle of operations is similar to the laser metrology system used in LISA-Pathfinder to measure the in-orbit displacement between two test masses to a precision of ~10 picometers. In closed loop with actuators, MET actively maintains rigid body alignment of the front-end optics, thereby eliminating the dominant source of wavefront drift. In the case of a segmented, active primary mirror, MET provides six degrees of freedom sensing, replacing edge sensors. MET maintains wavefront control even during attitude maneuvers, such as slews between target stars, thereby avoiding the need to repeat time-consuming speckle suppression. These features can significantly improve the performance and observational efficiency of future large-aperture space telescopes equipped with internal coronagraphs. We evaluate MET trusses for various proposed monolithic and segmented space-based coronagraphs and present the performance requirements necessary to maintain contrast drift below 10^-11.

Moore, Dustin↗
NASA NTRS1992

Wavefront sensing, control, and pointing

A majority of future NASA astrophysics missions from orbiting interferometers to 16-m telescopes on the Moon have, as a common requirement, the need to bring light from a large entrance aperture to the focal plane in a way that preserves the spatial coherence properties of the starlight. Only by preserving the phase of the incoming wavefront, can many scientific observations be made, observations that range from measuring the red shift of quasi-stellar objects (QSO's) to detecting the IR emission of a planet in orbit around another star. New technologies for wavefront sensing, control, and pointing hold the key to advancing our observatories of the future from those already launched or currently under development. As the size of the optical system increases, either to increase the sensitivity or angular resolution of the instrument, traditional technologies for maintaining optical wavefront accuracy become prohibitively expensive or completely impractical. For space-based instruments, the low mass requirement and the large temperature excursions further challenge existing technologies. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is probably the last large space telescope to rely on passive means to keep its primary optics stable and the optical system aligned. One needs only look to the significant developments in wavefront sensing, control, and pointing that have occurred over the past several years to appreciate the potential of this technology for transforming the capability of future space observatories. Future developments in space-borne telescopes will be based in part on developments in ground-based systems. Telescopes with rigid primary mirrors much larger than 5 m in diameter are impractical because of gravity loading. New technologies are now being introduced, such as active optics, that address the scale problem and that allow very large telescopes to be built. One approach is a segmented design such as that being pioneered by the W.M. Keck telescope now under construction at the Mauna Kea Observatory. It consists of 36 hexagonal mirror segments, supported on a framework structure, which are positioned by actuators located between the structure and the mirrors. The figure of the telescope is initialized by making observations of a bright star using a Shack Hartmann sensor integrated with a white light interferometer. Then, using sensed data from the mirror edges to control these actuators, the figure of the mosaic of 36 segments is maintained as if it were a rigid primary mirror. Another active optics approach is the use of a thin meniscus mirror with actuators. This technique was demonstrated on the European Southern Observatory's New Technology Telescope (NTT) and is planned for use in the Very Large Telescope (consists of four 8-m apertures), which is now entering the design phase.

Pitts, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1988

Shutters and slats for the integral sunshade of an optical reception antenna

Optical reception antennas used at a small Sun-Earth-probe angle (small solar elongation E) require sunshading to prevent intolerable scattering of light from the surface of the primary mirror. An integral sunshade consisting of hexagonal tubes aligned with the segmentation of a large mirror was proposed for use down to E = 12 degrees. For smaller angles, asterisk-shaped vanes inserted into the length of the hexagonal tubes would allow operation down to about 6 degrees with a fixed obscuration of 3.6 percent. Two alternative methods are investigated to extend the usefulness of the integral sunshade to smaller angles by adding either variable-area shutters to block the tube corners that admit off-axis sunlight or by inserting slats (partial vanes) down the full length of some tubes. Slats are effective for most operations down to 6 degrees, and obscure only 1.2 percent. For E between 10.75 and 12 degrees, shutters cause even less obscuration.

Kerr, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Use of a Fourier transform spectrometer on a balloon-borne telescope and at the multiple mirror telescope (MMT)

The design and use of an infrared Fourier transform spectrometer which has been used for observations of laboratory, stratospheric, and astronomical spectra are described. The spectrometer has a spectral resolution of 0.032/cm and has operated in the mid-infrared (12 to 13 microns) as well as the far-infrared (40 to 140 microns), using both bolometer and photoconductor cryogenic detectors. The spectrometer is optically sized to accept an f/9 beam from the multi-mirror telescope (MMT). The optical and electronic design are discussed, including remote operation of the spectrometer on a balloon-borne 102-cm telescope. The performance of the laser-controlled, screw-driven moving cat's-eye mirror is discussed. Segments of typical far-infrared balloon flight spectra, lab spectra, and mid-infrared MMT spectra are presented. Data reduction, interferogram processing, artifact removal, wavelength calibration, and intensity calibration methods are discussed. Future use of the spectrometer is outlined.

Traub, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Strawman Optical Reception Development Antenna (SORDA)

A strawman design of a ground-based station for receiving optical communications from deep space is presented. This strawman will serve as a basis for further study and design refinement. The recommendation to build rather than to use an existing facility is explained. Parameters of the design were selected to postulate a workable system, starting with a 10 m diameter, hexagonally segmented, f/0.5 primary mirror. The effects of variations of design parameters on performance and cost are discussed. Some design formulas are included. An electro-optical functional block diagram is presented and discussed. Cost calculations are based on a previous cost model for the hardware or on typical construction costs per unit area for several types of facilities. Other cost factors are included in the usual way for Construction of Facilities. The ratio of high and low reasonable values was less than a factor of 2, with a best estimate of under $16,000,000.

Kerr, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

James Webb Space Telescope Status

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the first deployable infrared to millimeter wave space telescopes. We will describe the progress on JWST and introduce other speakers in the session. The JWST will operate at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2, where radiative cooling lowers the telescope and instrument temperatures to about 35 K. It will have an 18-segment beryllium primary mirror with a 25 m2 area fitting inside a 6.6m circumscribed circle, and will provide spectroscopy and imaging over the wavelength range from 0.6 to 28 microns. It is planned for launch in 2011 on an Ariane 5 rocket. The project is a partnership of NASA, ESA, and CSA, and the prime contractor is Northrop Grumman. See http://www.jwst.nasa.gov for more details on JWST.

Mather, John C.↗
NASA NTRS2008

James Webb Space Telescope Project (JWST) Overview

This presentation provides an overview of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project. The JWST is an infrared telescope designed to collect data in the cosmic dark zone. Specifically, the mission of the JWST is to study the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars and planetary systems. It is a deployable telescope with a 6.5 m diameter, segmented, adjustable primary mirror. outfitted with cryogenic temperature telescope and instruments for infrared performance. The JWST is several times more sensitive than previous telescope and other photographic and electronic detection methods. It hosts a near infrared camera, near infrared spectrometer, mid-infrared instrument and a fine guidance sensor. The JWST mission objection and architecture, integrated science payload, instrument overview, and operational orbit are described.

Dutta, Mitra↗
NASA NTRS2008

The Realities of Managing Complex Space Missions like the James Webb Space Telescope

An overview of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project and its status are presented. The JWST is a deployable infrared telescope with a 6.5 meter diameter segmented, adjustable primary mirror. It has a cryogenic temperature telescope and instruments suited for infrared performance. It will be launched in 2013 on an European Space Agency-supplied Ariane 5 rocket 20 Sun-Earth L2 for a 5-year mission. Compared to other telescopes the JWST: has a 2.7 time longer diameter and 2.7 time longer wavelength capability than the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), 38 times increased sensitivity at K band and 8 times increased sensitivity at H band than the HST NICMOS; and, 8-24 times better angular resolution than the Spitzer. An instrument overview and integration and test flow overview are provided. The JWST project management approach, including organizational chart, program phases, technology status, and project critical path summary, are included. Additionally, project management tools and guidelines are are outlined.

Sabelhaus, Phil↗
NASA NTRS2011

JWST Wavefront Control Toolbox

A Matlab-based toolbox has been developed for the wavefront control and optimization of segmented optical surfaces to correct for possible misalignments of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) using influence functions. The toolbox employs both iterative and non-iterative methods to converge to an optimal solution by minimizing the cost function. The toolbox could be used in either of constrained and unconstrained optimizations. The control process involves 1 to 7 degrees-of-freedom perturbations per segment of primary mirror in addition to the 5 degrees of freedom of secondary mirror. The toolbox consists of a series of Matlab/Simulink functions and modules, developed based on a "wrapper" approach, that handles the interface and data flow between existing commercial optical modeling software packages such as Zemax and Code V. The limitations of the algorithm are dictated by the constraints of the moving parts in the mirrors.

Shin, Shahram Ron↗
NASA NTRS2019

Optical Engineering History of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Mission Objective: Study the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars and planetary systems; Optimized for infrared observations (0.6 to 28 microns). Organization: Mission Lead, Goddard Space Flight Center; International collaboration with ESA (European Space Agency) & CSA (Canadian Space Agency); Prime Contractor, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems; Telescope Subcontractors, Ball Aero-pace, Harris Corp, Orbital ATK. Instruments: Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) - University of Arizona; Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) - ESA; Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) - JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab)/ESA; Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) - CSA; Operations: Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Description: Deployable telescope with 6.5-meter-diameter segmented adjustable primary mirror; Cryogenic temperature telescope and instruments for infrared performance; 50 degrees Kelvin, minus 370 degrees Fahrenheit; 5-year science mission (10-year goal).

Feinberg, Lee↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High Speed Interferometry for James Webb Space Telescope Testing

High speed interferometry (HSI) was one of the enabling technologies to the successful development and testing of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) optical system that consists of a 6.5 meter diameter, segmented, lightweight primary mirror and lightweight carbon fiber composite structure. This paper reviews the interferometry that was used first to demonstrate that the lightweight mirror and lightweight composite structure technologies were ready for JWST and later to verify performance of the fully assembled primary mirror and the telescope at cryogenic temperature. The tools and techniques developed for JWST are being advanced to benefit future missions that require stable mirrors, precision metering structures, active controls and diagnostic metrology.

B Saif↗
NASA NTRS1991

The 4-meter lunar engineering telescope

The 16-meter diffraction limited lunar telescope incorporates a primary mirror with 312 one-meter segments; 3 nanometer active optics surface control with laser metrology and hexapod positioners; a space frame structure with one-millimeter stability; and a hexapod mount for pointing. The design data needed to limit risk in this development can be obtained by building a smaller engineering telescope on the moon with all of the features of the 16-meter design. This paper presents a 4.33-meter engineering telescope concept developed by the Summer 1990 Student Program of the NASA/JHU Space Grant Consortium Lunar Telescope Project. The primary mirror, made up of 18 one-meter hexagonal segments, is sized to provide interesting science as well as engineering data. The optics are configured as a Ritchey-Chretien with a coude relay to the focal plane beneath the surface. The optical path is continuously monitored with 3-nanometer precision interferometrically. An active optics processor and piezoelectric actuators operate to maintain the end-to-end optical configuration established by wave front sensing using a guide star. The mirror segments, consisting of a one-centimeter thick faceplate on 30-cm deep ribs, maintain the surface figure to a few nanometers under lunar gravity and thermal environment.

Peacock, Keith↗
NASA NTRS2004

Optical Modeling Activities for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project: Determining Image Motion and Wavefront Error Over an Extended Field of View with a Segmented Optical System - II

This is part two of a series on the optical modeling activities for JWST. Starting with the linear optical model discussed in part one, we develop centroid and wavefront error sensitivities for the special case of a segmented optical system such as JWST, where the primary mirror consists of 18 individual segments. Our approach extends standard sensitivity matrix methods used for systems consisting of monolithic optics, where the image motion is approximated by averaging ray coordinates at the image and residual wavefront error is determined with global tip/tilt removed. We develop an exact formulation using the linear optical model, and extend it to cover multiple field points for performance prediction at each instrument aboard JWST. This optical model is then driven by thermal and dynamic structural perturbations in an integrated modeling environment. Results are presented.

Howard, Joseph M.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Looking Back in Time: Building the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Optical Telescope Element

When it launches in 2018, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will look back in time at the earliest stars and galaxies forming in the universe. This talk will look back in time at the development of the JWST telescope. This will include a discussion of the design, technology development, mirror development, wave front sensing and control algorithms, lightweight cryogenic deployable structure, pathfinder telescope, and integration and test program evolution and status. The talk will provide the engineering answers on why the mirrors are made of Beryllium, why there are 18 segments, where and how the mirrors were made, how the mirrors get aligned using the main science camera, and how the telescope is being tested. It will also look back in time at the many dedicated people all over the country who helped build it.

JWST OTE↗