Reflective Baffles For Telescope

Abstract

Nonimaged light causing unacceptable heating rejected instead of absorbed. Precise reflective baffles incorporated into reflective telescope to prevent undesired portion of incident light from entering sensitive optical and electronic instruments in focal region of main reflector. In original intended application, telescope and associated instruments placed in geostationary orbit to observe selected area of Earth; undesired light solar reflected from adjacent areas of Earth or coming directly from Sun when line of sight to Sun lies near field of view. Terrestrial optical instruments also improved by installation of reflective baffles.