Multiple spacecraft Michelson stellar interferometerResults of an orbital analysis and performance assessment of SAMSI (Spacecraft Array for Michelson Spatial Interferometry) are presented. The device considered includes two one-meter telescopes in orbits which are identical except for slightly different inclinations; the telescopes achieve separations as large as 10 km and relay starlight to a central station which has a one-meter optical delay line in one interferometer arm. It is shown that a 1000-km altitude, zero mean inclination orbit affords natural scanning of the 10-km baseline with departures from optical pathlength equality which are well within the corrective capacity of the optical delay line. Electric propulsion is completely adequate to provide the required spacecraft motions, principally those needed for repointing. Resolution of 0.00001 arcsec and magnitude limits of 15 to 20 are achievable.
Document ID
19850043258
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stachnik, R. V. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Arnold, D. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Melroy, P. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Mccormack, E. F. (Wellesley College Wellesley, MA, United States)
Gezari, D. Y. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)