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Structural Feasibility Analysis of a Robotically Assembled Very Large Aperture Optical Space TelescopeThis paper presents a feasibility study of robotically constructing a very large aperture optical space telescope on-orbit. Since the largest engineering challenges are likely to reside in the design and assembly of the 150-m diameter primary reflector, this preliminary study focuses on this component. The same technology developed for construction of the primary would then be readily used for the smaller optical structures (secondary, tertiary, etc.). A reasonable set of ground and on-orbit loading scenarios are compiled from the literature and used to define the structural performance requirements and size the primary reflector. A surface precision analysis shows that active adjustment of the primary structure is required in order to meet stringent optical surface requirements. Two potential actuation strategies are discussed along with potential actuation devices at the current state of the art. The finding of this research effort indicate that successful technology development combined with further analysis will likely enable such a telescope to be built in the future.
Document ID
20070032868
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Wilkie, William Keats
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Williams, R. Brett
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Agnes, Gregory S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Wilcox, Brian H.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
April 23, 2007
Subject Category
Structural Mechanics
Meeting Information
Meeting: 48th Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Location: Waikiki, HI
Country: United States
Start Date: April 23, 2007
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
space telescopes
large apertures
robotic assembly

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