The Role of Tribology in the Success and Challenges in Space Telescopes

In addition to the highly visible astronauts, NASA personnel include thousands of engineers, scientists, technicians and support staff. These vital employees develop technologies and solution to the many problems the Agency faces while undertaking space exploration. Space telescopes present unusual technical challenges related to bearings and lubricants. In this presentation to to the Brunswick Astronomy Club, NASA technologies under development (e.g. NiTi bearings) that could someday alleviate space telescope mechanism problems will be reviewed and discussed.