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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Technical Oversight of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) Element Procurement: Opportunities, Challenges, & Lessons Learned (2024 Update)

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) is an out-of-house procurement from L3Harris currently being integrated and tested in Rochester, NY. Building upon L3Harris’s decades of success producing world-class optical systems for government and commercial customers offers NASA a proven partner and a tremendous opportunity for high performance and value. Inheriting significant portions of the telescope (including the primary and secondary mirror, composite metering structures and alignment drives) from a previous program presents the opportunity to save cost and schedule but constrains the design space for the unique challenges of the Roman mission. This seminar will cover a brief description of the OTA and its history, some of the challenges posed by incorporating an established product line and inherited hardware into a Class A mission, and some approaches and lessons learned that may be helpful for those structuring new missions or providing technical oversight of out-of-house procurements.

Joshua Abel↗
NASA NTRS2018

Breaking the Cost Curve: Applying Lessons Learned from the James Webb Space Telescope Development to Build More Cost-Effective Large Space Telescopes in the Future

This paper looks at the key programmatic and technical drivers of the James Webb Space Telescope and assesses ways to building more cost-effective telescopes in the future. The paper evaluates the top level programmatics for JWST along with the key technical drivers from design through integration and testing. Actual data and metrics from JWST are studied to identify what ultimately drove cost on JWST. Finally, the paper assesses areas where applying lessons learned can reduce costs on future observatories and will provide better insights into critical areas to optimize for cost.

ATLAST↗
NASA NTRS2018

Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) - Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) Status

The WFIRST Mission is the next large astrophysical observatory for NASA after the James Webb Space Telescope and is the top priority mission from the 2010 National Academy of Sciences' decadal survey. The WFIRST OTA includes the inherited primary and secondary mirrors with precision metering structures that are to be integrated to new mirror assemblies to provide optical feeds to the two WFIRST science instruments. We present here: (1) the results for the review of the inherited hardware for WFIRST through a thorough technical pedigree process, (2) the status of the effort to establish the capability of the telescope to perform at a cooler operational temperature of 265K, and (3) the status of the work in requirement development for OTA to incorporate the inherited hardware, and (4) the path forward.

telescopes↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Roman Space Telescope - Demonstration of Integrated Thermal Control System Test for the Optical Telescope

On-orbit optical stability of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (RST) is a key requirement that enables multiple science objectives and drives multiple aspects of telescope design and analysis. Thermoelastic changes are typically large contributors to optical instability, and both extremely low CTE materials and extremely stable temperatures are needed to achieve the RST optical stability requirements. We will present the results from a test that demonstrated the L3Harris capability to sense and control temperatures to milli-kelvin levels of stability across a range of operating temperatures.

RST, Roman Space Telescope, Temperature Sensing, T↗
DOE OSTI2026

The pathfinder X-Ray axion telescope for the International Axion Observatory (IAXO) and axion searches at the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST)

The axion, a hypothetical pseudo-scalar particle proposed by Peccei and Quinn to resolve the strong CP problem in quantum chromodynamics, remains one of the most compelling dark matter candidates. Axions and Axion-Like Particles (ALPs) are characterized by a broad and largely unconstrained parameter space in mass and coupling strength, motivating extensive experimental searches. The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a next-generation axion helioscope designed to achieve over an order of magnitude improvement in sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling constant gaγ relative to previous experiments such as the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). IAXO will employ large-scale superconducting magnets, precision x-ray optics, and ultra-low-background detectors to search for solar axions produced primarily via the Primakoff effect. This work presents the design and performance of the IAXO pathfinder x-ray optic, a technological demonstrator that validated the optical concepts for IAXO through axion searches at CAST. Comprehensive ray-tracing simulations and experimental measurements were conducted to assess the optic's effective area, detection efficiency, and background suppression capabilities. Deployed at CAST in conjunction with Micromegas and GridPix detectors, the Pathfinder demonstrated record-setting sensitivity to both gaγ and the axion-electron coupling gae, establishing the most stringent laboratory constraints on solar axions to date. These results confirm the viability of the IAXO optical design and detector concept, providing a critical technological benchmark that informs the ongoing development of the BabyIAXO and full-scale IAXO telescopes.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1972

Large space telescope, phase A. Volume 3: Optical telescope assembly

The development and characteristics of the optical telescope assembly for the Large Space Telescope are discussed. The systems considerations are based on mission-related parameters and optical equipment requirements. Information is included on: (1) structural design and analysis, (2) thermal design, (3) stabilization and control, (4) alignment, focus, and figure control, (5) electronic subsystem, and (6) scientific instrument design.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Design and mathematical analysis of a three-mirror X-ray telescope based on ATM S-056 X-ray telescope hardware

The mathematical design of the aspheric third mirror for the three-mirror X-ray telescope (TMXRT) is presented, along with the imaging characteristics of the telescope obtained by a ray trace analysis. The present design effort has been directed entirely toward obtaining an aspheric third mirror which will be compatible with existing S-056 paraboloidal-hyperboloidal mirrors. This compatability will facilitate the construction of a prototype model of the TMXRT, since it will only be necessary to fabricate one new mirror in order to obtain a working model.

Foreman, J. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Space Telescope optical telescope assembly

The optical quality and stability requirements of the Space Telescope optical design rely on state-of-the-art developments in optics, structures, and sensors. This paper describes key elements of the design implementation of the Space Telescope's performance requirements.

Mccarthy, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Use of a Fourier transform spectrometer on a balloon-borne telescope and at the multiple mirror telescope (MMT)

The design and use of an infrared Fourier transform spectrometer which has been used for observations of laboratory, stratospheric, and astronomical spectra are described. The spectrometer has a spectral resolution of 0.032/cm and has operated in the mid-infrared (12 to 13 microns) as well as the far-infrared (40 to 140 microns), using both bolometer and photoconductor cryogenic detectors. The spectrometer is optically sized to accept an f/9 beam from the multi-mirror telescope (MMT). The optical and electronic design are discussed, including remote operation of the spectrometer on a balloon-borne 102-cm telescope. The performance of the laser-controlled, screw-driven moving cat's-eye mirror is discussed. Segments of typical far-infrared balloon flight spectra, lab spectra, and mid-infrared MMT spectra are presented. Data reduction, interferogram processing, artifact removal, wavelength calibration, and intensity calibration methods are discussed. Future use of the spectrometer is outlined.

Traub, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Asteroid observations with the Hubble Space Telescope and the Space Infrared Telescope Facility

The ways that the asteroids can be studied with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) are examined. Spectrophotometry of asteroids and the study of asteroid surfaces, shape, spins, configuration, normal reflectance, and limb darkening of asteroids using the HST are addressed along with the detection of asteroid satellites and the discovery of small asteroids using the HST. The relation of the HST to its ground system is described, as are the spectrophotometric instruments of the HST. Imaging with the HST using the Faint Object Camera and the Wide Field and Planetary Camera is examined. Finally, the SIRTF observatory, instrumentation, and capabilities for solar system science are discussed.

Zellner, B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Hubble Space Telescope: Optical telescope assembly handbook. Version 1.0

The Hubble Space Telescope is described along with how its design affects the images produced at the Science Instruments. An overview is presented of the hardware. Details are presented of the focal plane, throughput of the telescope, and the point spread function (image of an unresolved point source). Some detailed simulations are available of this, which might be useful to observers in planning their observations and in reducing their data.

Burrows, Chris↗
NASA NTRS2003

Correlation of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrometer (STIS) On-Orbit Data with Pre-launch Predictions and Ground Contamination Controls

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) was deployed on-orbit in February 1997. The contamination program for STIS was stringently controlled as the five-year end-of-life deposition was set at 158, per optical element. Contamination was controlled through materials selection, extensive vacuum outgassing certifications, cleaning techniques, and environmental controls. In addition to ground contamination controls, on-orbit contamination controls were implemented for both the HST servicing mission activities and early post-servicing mission checkout. The extensive contamination control program will be discussed and the STIS on-orbit data will be correlated with the prelaunch analytical predictions.

Hansen, Patricia A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Use of a Pathfinder Optical Telescope Element for James Webb Space Telescope Risk Mitigation

A Pathfmder of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Optical Telescope Element is being developed to check out critical ground support equipment and to rehearse integration and testing procedures. This paper provides a summary of the baseline Pathfmder configuration and architecture, objectives of this effort, limitations of Pathfinder, status of its development, and future plans. Special attention is paid to risks that will be mitigated by Pathfmder.

Feinberg, Lee D.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Gamma-Ray Telescopes: 400 Years of Astronomical Telescopes

The last half-century has seen dramatic developments in gamma-ray telescopes, from their initial conception and development through to their blossoming into full maturity as a potent research tool in astronomy. Gamma-ray telescopes are leading research in diverse areas such as gamma-ray bursts, blazars, Galactic transients, and the Galactic distribution of Al-26.

Gehrels, Neil↗
NASA NTRS2011

James Webb Space Telescope Primary Mirror Integration: Testing the Multiwavelength Interferometer on the Test Bed Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) integration includes a center of curvature test on its 18 primary mirror segment assemblies (PMSAs). This important test is the only ground test that will demonstrate the ability to align all 18 PMSAs. Using a multi-wavelength interferometer (MWIF) integrated to the test bed telescope (TBT), a one-sixth scale model of the JWST, we verify our ability to align and phase the 18 PMSAs. In this paper we will discuss data analysis and test results when using the MWIF to align the segments of the TBT in preparation for alignment of the JWST.

Olczak, Gene↗
NASA NTRS2012

Cosmic Ray Studies with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope Large Area Telescope

The Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope provides both direct and indirect measurements of galactic cosmic rays (CR). The LAT high-statistics observations of the 7 GeV - 1 TeV electron plus positron spectrum and limits on spatial anisotropy constrain models for this cosmic-ray component. On a galactic scale, the LAT observations indicate that cosmic-ray sources may be more plentiful in the outer Galaxy than expected or that the scale height of the cosmic-ray diffusive halo is larger than conventional models. Production of cosmic rays in supernova remnants (SNR) is supported by the LAT gamma-ray studies of several of these, both young SNR and those interacting with molecular clouds.

Thompson, David J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Cosmic Ray Studies with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope Large Area Telescope

The Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope provides both direct and indirect measurements of Galactic cosmic rays (CR). The LAT high-statistics observations of the 7 GeV - 1 TcV electron plus positron spectrum and limits on spatial anisotropy constrain models for this cosmic-ray component. On a Galactic scale, the LAT observations indicate that cosmic-ray sources may be more plentiful in the outer Galaxy than expected or that the scale height of the cosmic-ray diffusive halo is larger than conventional models. Production of cosmic rays in supernova remnants (SNR) is supported by the LAT gamma-ray studies of several of these, both young SNR and those interacting with molecular clouds.

Thompson, D. J.↗