Deployable ultrahigh-throughput x-ray telescope: concept

Paul Gorenstein

doi:10.1117/12.331253

19 November 1998 Deployable ultrahigh-throughput x-ray telescope: concept

Paul Gorenstein

Proceedings Volume 3444, X-Ray Optics, Instruments, and Missions; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.331253
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We describe a method of building and deploying an ultra high throughput x-ray observatory with 2 by 10⁵ cm² of effective area for the era following the Constellation X-ray Mission and XEUS. It is based upon a single focus telescope. Replacing and adding detectors are possible. Instead of an optical bench, the detector uses electric propulsion with plasma thrusters and ion engines to maintain its station at the focus and repositioning itself for new targets. The preferred site is the L2 point; a high circular orbit is also possible. Additional or replacement detectors equipped with ion/plasma engines are launched on much smaller rockets and rendez-vous with the telescope. We describe how such a telescope with an angular resolution of a few arcseconds could be fabricated. As an example, we consider a 7 m X 7 m aperture, 100 m focal length standard Kirkpatrick-Baez optic. It is segmented into several hundred modules of identical size. A co-aligned group of segments is equipped with a fiducial and a positioning system for alignment to a common focus in space. With subdivided reflector substrates made from light weight advanced composite materials the launch mass of the telescope spacecraft is within the capability of current vehicles.

Citation Download Citation

Paul Gorenstein "Deployable ultrahigh-throughput x-ray telescope: concept", Proc. SPIE 3444, X-Ray Optics, Instruments, and Missions, (19 November 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.331253

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