Location

Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Challenger Main Ballroom

Start Date

27-4-1993 2:00 PM

End Date

27-4-1993 5:00 PM

Description

The evolution of lunar based optical telescopes has been studied by the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) from early 1989 to the present. This paper describes four lunar based telescopes which form a logical evolution from a 1-m aperture, UV "transit" telescope to a 16-m aperture, IR/Vis/UV facility. Key trades and issues which will be encountered in developing these systems are discussed.

Experience has shown that developing and deploying a major space astronomy payload can stretch over as much as two decades. If the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is to deploy the next generation of space-based telescopes within the next quarter-century, design planning must begin now to resolve the fundamental trades and major design issues raised by operating in the lunar environment.

Comments

Interstellar Initiatives

Session Chairman: Samuel T. Durrance, Center for Astrophysical Science, Johns Hopkins University

Session Organizer: Suzanne Hodge, Rockwell International Corp., Space Systems Division, Kennedy Space Center

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Apr 27th, 2:00 PM Apr 27th, 5:00 PM

Paper Session I-C - Evolution of Lunar Based Optical Astronomy Facilities

Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Challenger Main Ballroom

The evolution of lunar based optical telescopes has been studied by the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) from early 1989 to the present. This paper describes four lunar based telescopes which form a logical evolution from a 1-m aperture, UV "transit" telescope to a 16-m aperture, IR/Vis/UV facility. Key trades and issues which will be encountered in developing these systems are discussed.

Experience has shown that developing and deploying a major space astronomy payload can stretch over as much as two decades. If the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is to deploy the next generation of space-based telescopes within the next quarter-century, design planning must begin now to resolve the fundamental trades and major design issues raised by operating in the lunar environment.

 

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