A large deployable reflector for infrared and submillimeter astronomy from space
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Werner, M. W.↗
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Detector requirements for space infrared astronomy
Requirements for background-limited (BLIP) detectors are discussed in terms of number of photons falling on each pixel, dark current, high detective quantum efficiencies, large numbers of pixels, and array size.
Wright, E. L.↗
Detector arrays for low-background space infrared astronomy
The status of development and characterization tests of integrated infrared detector array technology for astronomy applications is described. The devices under development include intrinsic, extrinsic silicon, and extrinsic germanium detectors, with hybrid silicon multiplexers. Laboratory test results and successful astronomy imagery have established the usefulness of integrated arrays in low-background astronomy applications.
Mccreight, C. R.↗
Detector arrays for low-background space infrared astronomy
The status of development and characterization tests of integrated infrared detector array technology for astronomy applications is described. The devices under development include intrinsic, extrinsic silicon, and extrinsic germanium detectors, with hybrid silicon multiplexers. Laboratary test results and successful astronomy imagery have established the usefulness of integrated arrays in low-background astronomy applications.
Mccreight, C. R.↗
Characterization of direct readout Si:Sb and Si:Ga infrared detector arrays for space-based astronomy
Preliminary test results from the evaluation of Si:Sb and Si:Ga 58 x 62-element infrared detector arrays are presented. These devices are being characterized under background conditions and readout rates representative of operation in orbiting, crogenically-cooled infrared observatories. The arrays are hybridized to silicon direct-readout multiplexers which allow random-access and nondestructive readout. Array performance optimization is being conducted with a flexible microcomputer-based drive and readoaut electronics system. Preliminary Si:Sb measurements indicate a sense node capacitance of 0.06 pF, peak (28-micron) responsivity above 3 A/W at 2V bias, read noise of 130 rms e(-), dark current approximately 10 e(-)/s, and a well capacity greater than 10 to the 5th e(-). The limited test data available on the performance of the Si:Ga array are also discussed.
Mckelvey, Mark E.↗
Stressed Ge:Ga photoconductors for space-based astronomy. (Is there life beyond 120 micron)
Information is given in viewgraph form. Information is given on the characteristics of stressed Ge:Ga, a spring type stress cavity, mounting hardware, materials parameters affecting dark current, and the behavior of low dark current stressed Ge:Ga. It is concluded that detectors exist today for background-limited detection at 200 microns, that researchers are narrowing in on the significant parameters that effect dark current in stressed photoconductors, that these findings may be applied to other photoconductor materials, and that some creative problem solving for an ionizing effect reset mechanism is needed.
Beeman, J. W.↗
PARAS program: Phased array radio astronomy from space
An orbiting radio telescope is proposed which, when operated in a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBLI) scheme, would allow higher (than currently available) angular resolution and dynamic range in the maps, and the ability of observing rapidly changing astronomical sources. Using a passive phases array technology, the proposed design consists of 656 hexagonal modules forming a 150 meter diameter dish. Each observatory module is largely autonomous, having its own photovoltaic power supply and low-noise receiver and processor for phase shifting. The signals received by the modules are channeled via fiber optics to the central control computer in the central bus module. After processing and multiplexing, the data is transmitted to telemetry stations on the ground. The truss frame supporting each observatory pane is a hybrid structure consisting of a bottom graphite/epoxy tubular triangle and rigidized inflatable Kevlar tubes connecting the top observatory panel and bottom triangle. Attitude control and stationkeeping functions are performed by a system of momentum wheels in the bus and four propulsion modules located at the compass points on the periphery of the observatory dish. Each propulsion module has four monopropellant thrusters and six hydrazine arcjets, the latter supported by a nuclear reactor. The total mass of the spacecraft is 22,060 kg.
Jakubowski, Antoni K.↗
Project PARAS: Phased array radio astronomy from space
An orbiting radio telescope is proposed which, when operated in a very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) scheme, would allow higher than currently available angular resolution and dynamic range in the maps and the ability to observe rapidly changing astronomical sources. Using passive phased array technology, the proposed design consists of 656 hexagonal modules forming a 150-m diameter antenna dish. Each observatory module is largely autonomous, having its own photovoltaic power supply and low-noise receiver and processor for phase shifting. The signals received by the modules are channeled via fiber optics to the central control computer in the central bus module. After processing and multiplexing, the data are transmitted to telemetry stations on the ground. The truss frame supporting each observatory panel is a novel hybrid structure consisting of a bottom graphite/epoxy tubular triangle and rigidized inflatable Kevlar tubes connecting the top observatory panel and the bottom triangle. Attitude control and station keeping functions will be performed by a system of momentum wheels in the bus and four propulsion modules located at the compass points on the periphery of the observatory dish. Each propulsion module has four monopropellant thrusters and four hydrazine arcjets, the latter supported by either a photovoltaic array or a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. The total mass of the spacecraft is about 20,500 kg.
Nuss, Kenneth↗
Standardized Sky Partitioning for the Next Generation Astronomy and Space Science Archives
The Johns Hopkins University and Space Telescope Science Institute are working together on this project to develop a library of standard software for data archives that will benefit the wider astronomical community. The ultimate goal was to develop and distribute a software library aimed at providing a common system for partitioning and indexing the sky in manageable sized regions and provide complex queries on the objects stored in this system. Whilst ongoing maintenance work will continue the primary goal has been completed. Most of the next generation sky surveys in the different wavelengths like 2MASS, GALEX, SDSS, GSC-II, DPOSS and FIRST have agreed on this common set of utilities. In this final report, we summarize work on the work elements assigned to the STScI project team.
Lal, Nand↗
Enabling High Performance Instruments for UV Astronomy and Space Exploration with ALD
Benefits of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for UV instruments and application are: (1) Ultrathin, highly conformal, and uniform films over arbitrarily large surface area (2) High quality films (density, roughness, conductivity, etc.) (3) Angstrom level control of stoichiometry, interfaces, and surface properties (3a) Multilayer nanolaminates/nanocomposites (3b) Low temperature surface engineering UV flight applications enabled by ALD. (1) Anti -reflective coatings/Mirrors/Filters/Optics for UV/Vis/NIR Detectors (2) Surface Passivation for III -N detectors
quantum efficiency↗
Astronomy research at the Aerospace Corporation
This report reviews the astronomy research carried out at The Aerospace Corporation during 1974. The report describes the activities of the San Fernando Observatory, the research in millimeter wave radio astronomy as well as the space astronomy research.
Paulikas, G. A.↗
The Next Century Astrophysics Program
The Astrophysics Division within the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) has defined a set of major and moderate missions that are presently under study for flight sometime within the next 20 years. These programs include the: Advanced X Ray Astrophysics Facility; X Ray Schmidt Telescope; Nuclear Astrophysics Experiment; Hard X Ray Imaging Facility; Very High Throughput Facility; Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Observatory; Hubble Space Telescope; Lunar Transit Telescope; Astrometric Interferometer Mission; Next Generation Space Telescope; Imaging Optical Interferometer; Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer; Gravity Probe B; Laser Gravity Wave Observatory in Space; Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy; Space Infrared Telescope Facility; Submillimeter Intermediate Mission; Large Deployable Reflector; Submillimeter Interferometer; and Next Generation Orbiting Very Long Baseline Interferometer.
Swanson, Paul N.↗
Space optics; Proceedings of the Seminar, Huntsville, Ala., May 22-24, 1979
The seminar focused on infrared systems, the space telescope, new design for space astronomy, future earth resources systems, and planetary systems. Papers were presented on infrared astronomy satellite, infrared telescope on Spacelab 2, design alternatives for the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility, Spacelab 2 infrared telescope cryogenic system, geometrical theory of diffraction and telescope stray-light analysis, Space Telescope scientific instruments, faint-object spectrograph for the Space Telescope, light scattering from multilayer optics, bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements of stray light suppression coatings for the Space Telescope, optical fabrication of a 60-in. mirror, interferogram analysis for space optics, nuclear-pumped lasers for space application, geophysical fluid flow experiment, coherent rays for optical astronomy in space, optical system with fiber-optical elements, and Pioneer-Venus solar flux radiometer.
Wyman, C. L.↗
Image recording devices for astronomy
Performance of magnetically focused ultraviolet image converter for space astronomy
Hallam, K. L.↗
Human Space Flight and Future Major Space Astrophysics Missions: Servicing and Assembly
Some concepts for candidate future "flagship" space observatories approach the payload limits of the largest launch vehicles planned for the next few decades, specifically in the available volume in the vehicle fairing. This indicates that an alternative to autonomous self-deployment similar to that of the James Webb Space Telescope will eventually be required. Moreover, even before this size limit is reached, there will be significant motivation to service, repair, and upgrade in-space missions of all sizes, whether to extend the life of expensive facilities or to replace outworn or obsolete onboard systems as was demonstrated so effectively by the Hubble Space Telescope program. In parallel with these challenges to future major space astronomy missions, the capabilities of in-space robotic systems and the goals for human space flight in the 2020s and 2030s offer opportunities for achieving the most exciting science goals of the early 21st Century. In this paper, we summarize the history of concepts for human operations beyond the immediate vicinity of the Earth, the importance of very large apertures for scientific discovery, and current capabilities and future developments in robot- and astronaut-enabled servicing and assembly.
Hubble Space Telescope↗
Planetary astronomy with the space telescope
Experimental methods in planetary astronomy are discussed using a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages in the astronomical methods of ground based, Earth-orbit, and deep space missions. Problem areas in planetary astronomy which demonstrate the utility and power of the space telescope (ST) over other methods are delineated. These include utilizing the ST for studying the atmospheric dynamics, stratospheric and upper atmospheric processes, and circumplanetary nebulae of the planets. The capability of the ST for solar system observations is summarized with a discussion of the increases in resolution and sensitivity of the ST over other Earth-orbiting telescopes highlighted.
Belton, M. J. S.↗
Experiment module concepts study. Volume 2: Experiments and mission operations
The baseline experiment program is concerned with future space experiments and cover the scientific disciplines of astronomy, space physics, space biology, biomedicine and biotechnology, earth applications, materials science, and advanced technology. The experiments within each discipline are grouped into functional program elements according to experiments that support a particular area of research or investigation and experiments that impose similar or related demand on space station support systems. The experiment requirements on module subsystems, experiment operating modes and time profiles, and the role of the astronaut are discussed. Launch and rendezvous with the space station, disposal, and on-orbit operations are delineated. The operational interfaces between module and other system elements are presented and include space station and logistic system interfaces. Preliminary launch and on-orbit environmental criteria and requirements are discussed, and experiment equipment weights by functional program elements are tabulated.
Macdonald, J. M.↗
An international space transportation and service system.
An overview of the state of the art in international space transportation systems, covering current launch vehicles, the space shuttle system, and the related aspects of IR astronomy, space physics, and space biology. A phase-over from expendable vehicles to a shuttle-based reusable space transportation system is visualized in 1980.
Naugle, J. E.↗