NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Report of the Working Group on Space/Lunar TradeoffsThe group discussed the advantages and disadvantages of five locations for an optical/infrared array: low-Earth orbit (LEO), Sun-synchronous Earth-orbit, geosynchronous orbit (GEO), Lagrangian points (L4 and L5), and the lunar surface. The factors affecting an array and our assessments of them are given and briefly discussed. In the discussions, two axioms are assumed: (1) Human expansion into space and to the Moon will occur; and (2) The Space Station will be constructed and operational. The major conclusion reached is that baselines of moderate size (greater than 300 m) are best done on the Moon and that large baselines (greater than 10 km) can be done only on the Moon. Three areas needing additional research were identified as follows. (1) Studies are needed on methods to steer long-baseline systems in orbit. This involves learning how to control free-flyers. It is not clear how the difficulty of control varies with orbital elevation. (2) More work is needed on the internal metrology of array systems, both orbital and lunar-surface systems.(3) We need to understand the radiation effects on detectors and electronics and learn how to mitigate them.
Document ID
19930004411
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: A Lunar Optical-Ultraviolet-Infrared Synthesis Array (LOUISA)
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
93N13599
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available