The key and the quest.
Unmanned Earth-orbiting satellite observatories for space exploration
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Space astronomy of the Steward observatory
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Tifft, W. G.↗
Conceptual definition of a High Energy Astronomy Observatory
High Energy Astronomy Observatory for space X rays, gamma and cosmic rays research via unmanned spacecraft
Dailey, C. C.↗
Data processing for astronomy missions.
The functions which must be performed to ensure the effective and efficient use of a space astronomical observatory may be separated into three major categories, including mission planning and analysis, mission operations, and data utilization. Each of these functions can be further subdivided. The most suitable locations for conducting the data processing operations in each case must be determined on the basis of criteria which take into account economical and operational factors. An advanced operational concept for an astronomical observatory is discussed.
Ludwig, G. H.↗
Skylab and solar exploration
Review of some of the findings concerning solar structure, energy production, and heat transport obtained with the aid of the manned Skylab space station observatory launched on May 14, 1973. Among the topics discussed are the observation of thermonuclear fusion processes which cannot be simulated on earth, the observation of short-wave solar radiation not visible to observers on earth, and the investigation of energy-transport processes occurring in the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. An apparent paradox is noted in that the cooler chromosphere is heating the hotter corona, seemingly in defiance of the second law of thermodynamics, thus suggesting that a nonthermal mechanism underlies the energy transport. Understanding of this nonthermal mechanism is regarded as an indispensable prerequisite for future development of plasma systems for terrestrial applications.
Von Puttkamer, J.↗
Planetary science with Space Telescope
The capabilities of the Space Telescope observatory which will comprise a 2.4 m primary mirror scheduled for launch into low earth orbit in late 1983 by the Shuttle are discussed. Attention is given to the first generation of science instruments, including two imaging systems, two complementary spectrographs, a high-speed photometer, and a fine guidance/astrometry system. A specific observing program, an intercomparison of Uranus and Neptune, is examined in detail.
Caldwell, J.↗
Astronomy and astrophysics for the 1980's, volume 1
The programs recommended address the most significant questions that confront contemporary astronomy and fall into three general categories: prerequisites for research initiatives, including instrumentation and detectors, theory and data analysis, computational facilities, laboratory astrophysics, and technical support at ground-based observatories; programs including an Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility, a Very-Long Baseline Array, a Technology Telescope and a Large Deployable Reflector; and programs for study and development, including X-ray observatories in space, instruments for the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical objects, and long duration spaceflights of infrared telescopes. Estimated costs of these programs are provided.
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Large deployable reflector: An infrared and submillimeter orbiting observatory
The Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) is to be a dedicated astronomical observatory in space. It will operate in the 1 mm to 30 micron wavelength region where the Earth's atmospheric opacity makes ground-based observations nearly impossible. The primary mirror will be 20 m in diameter, made up of 37 individual segments. The reflector will be actively controlled to provide an overall surface accuracy of less than or approximately 2 microns. The LDR will be placed in orbit by the Space Shuttle and revisited at approximately 2 year intervals during its 10 year lifetime.
Swanson, P. N.↗
Ultraviolet high-resolution spectroscopy from the Space Telescope
The High Resolution Spectrograph is one of five scientific instruments which will be part of the Space Telescope observatory. The spectrograph was designed to take advantage of the imaging and pointing capabilities of the telescope to obtain ultraviolet spectra with spectral resolution comparable to large, ground-based coudeinstruments. Some of the results of the ground-based testing program will be described, along with applications of these properties to future science programs.
Ebbets, D. C.↗
Initial placement of STO instruments
The current plans for the placement of the Solar Terrestrial Observatory (STO) space station will make use of each of the currently planned space station elements - the manned space station, the polar platform, and the coorbiting platform. A designation of the instrument placement on each element along with a summary of the mass, volume, power and data requirements which these instrument will impose is provided in tabular form.
Source record↗
Initial placement of STO instruments
The current plans for the placement of the Solar Terrestrial Observatory (STO) space station will make use of each of the currently planned space station elements - the manned space station, the polar platform, and the coorbiting platform. A designation of the instrument placement on each element along with a summary of the mass, volume, power and data requirements which these instrument will impose is provided in tabular form.
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Very long baseline interferometric observations made with an orbiting radio telescope
An orbiting spacecraft and ground observatories have been used to obtain interferometric observations of cosmic radio sources. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) was used as the orbiting observatory in conjunction with two 64-meter radio telescopes at ground observatories, one in Australia and one in Japan. The quasars 1730-130 (NRAO 530), 1510-089, and 1741-038 were observed at a frequency of 2.3 gigahertz, and a maximum projected baseline of 1.4 earth diameters was achieved. All quasar observations for which valid data were acquired resulted in detected fringes. Many of the techniques proposed for a dedicated very long baseline interferometry observatory in space were used successfully in this experiment.
Levy, G. S.↗
Radio emission from coronal and interplanetary shocks
Observational data on coronal and interplanetary (IP) type II burst events associated with shock-wave propagation are reviewed, with a focus on the past and potential future contributions of space-based observatories. The evidence presented by Cane (1983 and 1984) in support of the hypothesis that the coronal (metric) and IP (kilometric) bursts are due to different shocks is summarized, and the fast-drift kilometric events seen at the same time as metric type II bursts (and designated shock-accelerated or shock-associated events) are characterized. The need for further observations at 0.5-20 MHz is indicated.
Cane, H. V.↗
Systematic aspects of direct extrasolar planet detection
Using the first optical observatory in space, the Hubble Space Telescope, images of possible extrasolar planets will have poor contrast against the background of diffracted and scattered starlight. The very long exposure time required to achieve an adequate signal-to-noise ratio will make their detection infeasible. For a future telescope, a 16-fold increase in either the smoothness of the collecting area of the optics would reduce the exposure time to a tolerable value, but the contrast would remain low and the required photometric precision high. In this situation, the feasibility of detection would be contingent on the careful identification and control of systematic errors.
Brown, Robert A.↗
Advanced Solar Observatory (ASO) accommodations requirements study
Results of an accommodations analysis for the Advanced Solar Observatory on Space Station Freedom are reported. Concepts for the High Resolution Telescope Cluster, Pinhole/Occulter Facility, and High Energy Cluster were developed which can be accommodated on Space Station Freedom. It is shown that workable accommodations concepts are possible. Areas of emphasis for the next stage of engineering development are identified.
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Tracking requirements to support space very long baseline interferometry
The use of VLBI with a radio telescope in space is exmained. The concept of space VLBI and Soviet, Japanese, and U.S./European studies for developing space VLBI observatories are reviewed. The proposed NASA/ESA Quasat mission is described, including the potential ground tracking sites for high earth orbiters.
Jordan, J. Frank↗
Experimental evaluation of active-member control of precision structures
The results of closed loop experiments that use piezoelectric active-members to control the flexible motion of a precision truss structure are described. These experiments are directed toward the development of high-performance structural systems as part of the Control/Structure Interaction (CSI) program at JPL. The focus of CSI activity at JPL is to develop the technology necessary to accurately control both the shape and vibration levels in the precision structures from which proposed large space-based observatories will be built. Structural error budgets for these types of structures will likely be in the sub-micron regime; optical tolerances will be even tighter. In order to achieve system level stability and local positioning at this level, it is generally expected that some form of active control will be required.
Fanson, James↗
Technology challenges for large spacecraft optical systems
The technology challenges posed by future NASA astrophysics missions in the visible region of the spectrum whose goals include making high resolution images of faint objects, and high accuracy measurements of the positions of brighter objects for dynamical studies are discussed. Concentration is on the problems associated with possible next generation great observatories in space in the post-Hubble Space Telescope, particularly those with partially filled apertures. Telescopes using interferometric techniques in the visible similar to those of radio VLBI hold the promise of providing high resolution astronomical measurements within reasonable launch constraints on mass and volume. Technology challenges in the optics, structures, and controls areas are addressed.
Synnott, S. P.↗