The use of image quality criteria in designing a diffraction limited large space telescope.
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Discussion of the merits of various space telescope system designs, both of the Ritchey-Chretien and Gregorian kinds. In particular design data for an f/2.2 to f/12.0 Ritchey-Chretien system with a five-element telecentric field corrector and for another f/3.3 to f/15.0 similar system with a two-cylindrical-element telecentric field corrector are reviewed, along with data for an f/2.5 to f/15.0 Ritchey-Chretien system with a fold mirror corrector and for an f/2.2 to f/12.0 coma-corrected Gregorian system with a five-element telecentric field corrector. The transverse aberrations, optical path differences, and other characteristics of these system design varieties are examined.-
Photocathode materials are discussed in terms of those that are presently available and those that are becoming available. Charts are given which illustrate the response curves of the representative photocathodes. It can be seen from the curves that a relatively new class of photocathodes has been developed with responses equal to or much better than commercially available photocathodes over a very wide spectral range. In particular, the solid gallium arsenide photocathode has an increased efficiency over the standard S-1 in the infrared region of almost two orders of magnitude. A table is presented which describes the principle photocathodes and lists some of the important characteristics of each.
Studies conducted towards the development of space astronomy television sensors are reported. The SEC vidicon tubes being utilized in the development effort are described. The operational characteristics of these tubes are given in tables and charts together with discussions of their significance.
The numerical technique is applied to the prediction of self-sustained oscillations in a two-axis model of the nonlinear system with sampled data. The sampled-data two-axis LST system model, and its stability equation are analyzed along with the exact solution of the stability equation by numerical-iterative techniques.
Conditions of self-sustained oscillations in a two-axis model of the nonlinear LST system are studied. The describing function of the CMG frictional nonlinearity of the LST system is used for the analysis, as well as continuous-data and discrete-data models of the simplified LST control system. A numerical-iterative method is described for the analysis of the two-axis system. Approximation methods and the direct plotting of the stability equation are implemented in the study. It is shown that although the dynamics of the two axes are identical, the amplitudes of self-sustained oscillations in the two axes may in principle be different. Analysis shows that the LST systems are of equal amplitudes but with 180-degree phase shift.
Dynamic modeling of a low cost single axis LST system and the pointing stability of that system are investigated. The effects of nonlinear friction of the bearings of the reaction wheels, quantization, and sensor noise on the pointing error are covered. In addition, data are given on self sustained oscillations of the system induced by quantization and methods of evaluating attitude error of the digital LST.
A mathematical model employing Fourier series is used to show quantization and reaction wheel friction nonlinearity in a telescope system for use in space. Block diagrams are used to illustrate the system. A discrete describing function of a quantizer also is given, and input and output signal waveforms, with illustrative examples, are shown.
The underlying theory and design of test instrumentation and computer techniques used to determine the power spectral density (PSD) of the third generation gyro are described in detail. Acceptance test results on the completed instrument are presented as well as composite PSD plots. The measured RMS noise over the frequency band 0.0025 - 10 Hz was 0.012 arc seconds. Results obtained at Martin Company indicate an RMS noise of 0.009 arc seconds (0.05 - 10 Hz). The results obtained showed the TGG performance was close to the proposed LST requirements but that additional development work would be needed to reduce the TGG noise to within more desirable limits.
This paper presents the design development of a truss-type structure which utilizes graphite/epoxy as the primary material system. A review is given of an on-going NASA sponsored program to develop a structural assembly which is required to have a very high degree of dimensional stability. Methods of material characterization and selection are given along with property data such as strength, stiffness, outgassing and thermal expansion. Finite element (NASTRAN) analysis will be discussed and deflection plots of the lowest mode frequencies will be presented. Proposed full scale tests: static, dynamic, and thermal/vacuum will be described.
A photometer is examined which combines several features from separate instruments into a single package. The design presented has both point and area photometry capability with provision for inserting filters to provide spectral discrimination. The electronics provide for photon counting mode for the point detectors and both photon counting and analog modes for the area detector. The area detector also serves as a target locating device for the point detectors. Topics discussed include: (1) electronic equipment requirements, (2) optical properties, (3) structural housing for the instrument, (4) motors and other mechanical components, (5) ground support equipment, and (6) environment control for the instrument. Engineering drawings and block diagrams are shown.
Emitted force and torque vibration were measured in three axes for three Sperry reaction wheels. Data were taken for both hard and soft mounts; tests were conducted at constant speeds and during runup-rundown over a 0 to 5000 rpm range. A FSC, 7 ft-lb-sec and HEAO, 30 ft-lb-sec ball bearing reaction wheel and a model magnetic bearing were tested. Data analysis was conducted to identify the principal resonances in the 10 to 120 Hz region. Although some particular phenomena remain unexplained, in general good agreement is attained between the analytical predictions and test data. Predictions were also made of the expected emitted vibrations for an LST sized ball bearing and magnetic bearing reaction wheel using engineering judgment and the test data obtained. Additional tests were also run on the 101H duplex bearing pairs used in the reaction wheel suspension to determine bearing stiffness characteristics in the pre-breakaway zero speed region.
Key interfaces are described for all LST mission phases: ground test and integration, prelaunch and launch operations, ascent, deployment, operations, on-orbit maintenance, retrieval, deorbit and landing, and refurbishment. These interfaces can be categorized as test and integration, launch operations, Shuttle, data, and mission operations. The interface with the Shuttle and the Shuttle crew is emphasized here because the Shuttle allows a new capability: on-orbit maintenance and ground return. The LST will communicate with the ground elements of the LST system through a space link by means of the Tracking Data Relay Satellite System or directly to the stations of the Space Tracking and Data Network.
This paper provides an overview of the current status of the LST Program. The history of the program is treated briefly, with emphasis placed on the recent Phase B definition activity. The background and rationale leading to the decision of the aperture size of the LST primary mirror are discussed. The current technical definition status of the LST Optical Telescope Assembly and Support Systems Module is treated in a summary fashion. Key milestone events during the balance of the Phase B definition effort and schedule and over-all planning for the development phase of the program are described.
A computer program for straylight suppression system design and analysis was developed to analyze various proposed LST straylight suppression systems. Simultaneously, experimental measurements are being made on a simplified LST straylight suppression system in a unique facility. The experimental measurements are being used to verify and improve the computer program. The facility represents the state-of-the-art in straylight suppression measurements, and transmission factors of 10 to the minus 12th power have been measured.
The paper describes an LST ground system which is compatible with the operational requirements of the LST. The goal of the approach is to minimize the cost of post launch operations without seriously compromising the quality and total throughput of LST science. Attention is given to cost constraints and guidelines, the telemetry operations processing systems (TELOPS), the image processing facility, ground system planning and data flow, and scientific interfaces.
Analysis of light scattering, using the APART computer program, begins at the image plane and progresses through the optical system to the front end of the telescope tube. The approach identifies all critical surfaces, computes the geometrical configuration factors (GCF) from each area of the system under study to all other areas of the system, and determines incident and reflected angles which are important for baffle surfaces which do not have Lambertian scattering characteristics. The power input into the optical surface from either point source objects or extended objects such as the bright Earth are computed. The surface scattering characteristics and the GCF values are combined so that the power transfer to the image plane is computed. Capabilities for handling light scattering from baffle surfaces, specular reflectance from black surfaces, scattering from mirror surfaces, diffraction, internal scattering from transmissive optics, and internal thermal emission are assessed.
A concept is presented for a Ritchey-Chretien optical-UV telescope to be deployed in orbit using a preassembled segmented primary mirror of 8 meter aperture, carried into orbit inside the modified interstage of the Space Shuttle External Tank. Shuttle revisits allow major assembly tasks to proceed such as the installation of the light shield, fine alignment of the system and attachment of scientific instrument modules to the instrument adapter. Prime technology requirements for the VLST are assessed in this paper.