Monolithic versus segmented primary mirror concepts for space telescopes

Stephen E. Kendrick

doi:10.1117/12.824475

21 August 2009 Monolithic versus segmented primary mirror concepts for space telescopes

Stephen E. Kendrick

Proceedings Volume 7426, Optical Manufacturing and Testing VIII; 74260O (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824475
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A number of ongoing astrophysical mission concept studies are based on large aperture spaceborne telescopes. As optics get larger, both manufacturing and engineering trades come into consideration and must be balanced with the science goals and requirements. One of the top-level telescope trades examines the impact of a large monolithic primary mirror versus an array of smaller mirror segments to either fully or sparsely populate the same aperture. The first consideration is the scientific impact. Should the scattered edge effects and diffraction of a segmented design be acceptable, it then becomes a fabrication, test, and cost trade along with any associated risks. This paper will examine some of the key factors that go into such a trade and looks at manufacturing breakpoints. Examples such as the 4-m aperture New World Observer (NWO) and the 8-m aperture Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST) will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen E. Kendrick "Monolithic versus segmented primary mirror concepts for space telescopes", Proc. SPIE 7426, Optical Manufacturing and Testing VIII, 74260O (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824475

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