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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Multi-Star Wavefront Control: Update on Technology Development for Roman Space Telescope and Habitable Worlds Observatory

A majority of Sun-like stars have at least one stellar companion that can introduce additional noise into the field of view of any high-contrast imaging instrument, limiting the achievable contrast. These include high-quality target stars such as the A and B components of Alpha Centauri, our nearest stellar neighbor. Enabling direct imaging of binary stars has the potential to increase the scientific yield for coronagraphic instruments planned on NASA's future space missions and concepts, including the Roman Space Telescope and the Astro2020 IR/O/UV flagship. Multi-Star Wavefront Control (MSWC) is a wavefront-control technique that simultaneously removes the (mutually incoherent) stellar leakage from both stellar components, enabling direct imaging of planets in many binary star systems. MSWC is an algorithmic technique and can be used with existing wavefront control systems on coronagraphic instruments (as well as starshades if a deformable mirror is available in the optical path) including planned observations on the upcoming PICTURE-D balloon flight. We report on the latest experimental and numerical results obtained with MSWC as part of the technology development effort to demonstrate compatibility with existing high-contrast imaging platforms for this technique. We first report on functional tests carried out at Subaru's SCExAO instrument operating in-air and showing the sub-Nyquist mode at 4.1e-6 contrast in monochromatic light. The Super-Nyquist regime of MSWC was recently tested in vacuum at JPL's High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT) on the Decadal Survey Testbed (DST) reaching 8.6e-9 contrast in a 10% band. We also report on results for the current stage of vacuum testing at HCIT's Occulting Mask Coronagraph (OMC) testbed using a mask similar to the contributed MSWC mask on the Roman Space Telescope's coronagraph instrument which has demonstrated suppression at the 9.8e-9 contrast at Super-Nyquist separations around the 3rd diffraction order and is planned to use a novel binary source simulator.

high-contrast imaging↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Equitable and Inclusive Public Outreach with the James Webb Space Telescope: Combining Art, Science, and Technology

This archived content may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope revealed its first images on July 12, 2022 and has been used for groundbreaking science since. Scientific exploration transcends international borders, making a mission like Webb feasible with collaborators including the European Space Agency (ESA), and Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Communication about NASA’s discoveries about the universe, so essential for involving the public, likewise needs to be inclusive to all. Art is a tool for cutting across the boundaries of language, culture, and ability, and serves as a bridge between the technical and non-technical communities. Art makes the beauty and nuance of science and engineering accessible in ways that may not be readily perceived to those outside of those communities of practice. Equitable and inclusive outreach endeavors are challenging to implement while considering language translations, culture context, sensory methods, and technology capabilities. Formats including “Unfolding the Universe'' virtual reality platform has allowed for a wider audience to interact with the Webb images including sounds, visual aids, and talks by the scientists and engineers who worked on Webb. This VR platform has been expanded to highlight the ESA contributors to the mission and will be showcased internationally. The Webb first images were also translated into sounds as a method of inclusion for anyone with sight disabilities. We will explore some successful outreach methods and suggestions for inclusivity in future.

Outreach↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Equitable and Inclusive Public Outreach with the James Webb Space Telescope: Combining Art, Science, and Technology

This archived content may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope revealed its first images on July 12, 2022 and has been used for groundbreaking science since. Scientific exploration transcends international borders, making a mission like Webb feasible with collaborators including the European Space Agency (ESA), and Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Communication about NASA’s discoveries about the universe, so essential for involving the public, likewise needs to be inclusive to all. Art is a tool for cutting across the boundaries of language, culture, and ability, and serves as a bridge between the technical and non-technical communities. Art makes the beauty and nuance of science and engineering accessible in ways that may not be readily perceived to those outside of those communities of practice. Equitable and inclusive outreach endeavors are challenging to implement while considering language translations, culture context, sensory methods, and technology capabilities. Formats including “Unfolding the Universe'' virtual reality platform has allowed for a wider audience to interact with the Webb images including sounds, visual aids, and talks by the scientists and engineers who worked on Webb. This VR platform has been expanded to highlight the ESA contributors to the mission and will be showcased internationally. The Webb first images were also translated into sounds as a method of inclusion for anyone with sight disabilities. We will explore some successful outreach methods and suggestions for inclusivity in future.

Outreach↗
NASA NTRS1981

Control technology as applied to Space Telescope

The pointing control system (PCS) of the Space Telescope is addressed. The sensors employed in the primary PCS mode are the rate gyro assembly and the fine guidance sensors, while four reaction wheel assemblies provide control torques. Stability considerations based on structural modes are discussed, noting the stability margin criteria used in the design. Acquisition methodology is considered with regard to the PCS component hardware simulators and vehicle dynamics simulation.

Dougherty, H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Technology and the Hubble Space Telescope

The components of the Hubble Space Telescope which is a 13.1 m long, 4.27 m in diameter, and weighs 11,000 kg are described. The telescope will be placed in a 600-km circular orbit of 28.5 deg inclination and it has an expected service life of 15 years. The optical telescope assembly contains the hyperbolic Ritchey-Chretin type primary and secondary mirrors and the optical control system. The telescope is to have a field of view of 28 arcmin in diameter. The use of the fine guidance sensors for pointing stability is examined. The optical and scientific system of the telescope are contained in the support system module. A wide-field/planetary camera, ESA-furnished faint object camera, the high-speed photometer, faint-object spectrograph, high resolution spectrograph, and ESA-furnished solar arrays are located on the telescope. The maintenance and refurbishment of the telescope are discussed. The precise lambda/20 optics, stringent cleanliness, and stable pointing of the telescope produce good image quality for astronomical and solar system science studies.

Mitchell, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Technology and the Hubble Space Telescope Satellite

The hardware components of the HST and their capabilities are examined. The free-flying satellite observatory is 13.1-m long, 4.2-m in diameter, weighs 11,000 kg, is in a 600-km orbit, and is remotely controlled. The HST is divided into four sections: (1) optical telescope assembly, (2) support system module, (3) scientific instruments, and (4) solar arrays. The optical telescope assembly contains the f24 Cassegrain primary optics. The support system module is the host spacecraft for the optical and scientific system. The scientific instruments consist of the Wide Field Planetary Camera, Faint Object Camera, High Speed Photometer, Faint Object Spectrograph, and High Resolution Spectrograph; and the 48,760 solar cells are deployed on-orbit in a window shade fashion. Consideration is given to the operation and maintenance of the HST.

Odom, James B.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Expanding Impact with the James Webb Space Telescope: Combining Art, Science, and Technology for Public Outreach

This archived content may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope revealed its first images on July 12, 2022 and has been used for groundbreaking science since. Scientific exploration transcends international borders, making a mission like Webb feasible with collaborators including the European Space Agency (ESA), and Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Communication about NASA’s discoveries about the universe, so essential for involving the public, likewise needs to be inclusive to all. Art is a tool for cutting across the boundaries of language, culture, and ability, and serves as a bridge between the technical and non-technical communities. Art makes the beauty and nuance of science and engineering accessible in ways that may not be readily perceived to those outside of those communities of practice. Equitable and inclusive outreach endeavors are challenging to implement while considering language translations, culture context, sensory methods, and technology capabilities. Formats including “Unfolding the Universe'' virtual reality platform has allowed for a wider audience to interact with the Webb images including sounds, visual aids, and talks by the scientists and engineers who worked on Webb. This VR platform has been expanded to highlight the ESA contributors to the mission and will be showcased internationally. The Webb first images were also translated into sounds as a method of inclusion for anyone with sight disabilities. We will explore some successful outreach methods and suggestions for inclusivity in future.

Outreach↗
NASA NTRS1998

Developmental Cryogenic Active Telescope Testbed, a Wavefront Sensing and Control Testbed for the Next Generation Space Telescope

As part of the technology validation strategy of the next generation space telescope (NGST), a system testbed is being developed at GSFC, in partnership with JPL and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), which will include all of the component functions envisioned in an NGST active optical system. The system will include an actively controlled, segmented primary mirror, actively controlled secondary, deformable, and fast steering mirrors, wavefront sensing optics, wavefront control algorithms, a telescope simulator module, and an interferometric wavefront sensor for use in comparing final obtained wavefronts from different tests. The developmental. cryogenic active telescope testbed (DCATT) will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 will focus on operating the testbed at ambient temperature. During Phase 2, a cryocapable segmented telescope will be developed and cooled to cryogenic temperature to investigate the impact on the ability to correct the wavefront and stabilize the image. In Phase 3, it is planned to incorporate industry developed flight-like components, such as figure controlled mirror segments, cryogenic, low hold power actuators, or different wavefront sensing and control hardware or software. A very important element of the program is the development and subsequent validation of the integrated multidisciplinary models. The Phase 1 testbed objectives, plans, configuration, and design will be discussed.

Leboeuf, Claudia M.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Technology Development Roadmap for Habitable-Zone Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Baseline 4-M Primary Mirror

The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) is one of four mission concepts under study for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey. Its goal is to directly image and spectroscopically characterize planetary systems in the habitable zone around nearby sun-like stars. Additionally, HabEx will perform a broad range of general astrophysics science enabled by 115 to 2500 nm spectral range and 3 x 3 arc-minute FOV. Critical to achieving the HabEx science goals is a large, ultra-stable UV/Optical/Near-IR (UVOIR) telescope. The baseline HabEx telescope is 4-meter off-axis unobscured, diffraction limited at 400 nm with wavefront stability on the order of a few 10s of picometers. The technology readiness level (TRL) to manufacture and test the HabEx baseline primary mirror is assessed to be at TRL-6 for all but two TRL-4 technologies: 1) non-destructive process to quantify CTE homogeneity of a 4-m mirror substrate with a spatial sampling of at least 100 x 100 to better than +/- 1 ppb/K; and, 2) process to quantify self-weight gravity deflection to better than 4-nm rms over a 100 x 100 spatial sampling. This paper reviews the technology needs to manufacture the HabEx primary mirror, assesses their TRL and proposes a roadmap to mature the two remaining technologies to TRL-6.

Space Telescope Technology↗
NASA NTRS2014

AMTD: Update of Engineering Specifications Derived from Science Requirements for Future UVOIR Space Telescopes

The Advance Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) project is in Phase 2 of a multiyear effort, initiated in FY12, to mature by at least a half TRL step six critical technologies required to enable 4 meter or larger UVOIR space telescope primary mirror assemblies for both general astrophysics and ultra-high contrast observations of exoplanets. AMTD uses a science-driven systems engineering approach. We mature technologies required to enable the highest priority science AND provide a high-performance low-cost low-risk system. To give the science community options, we are pursuing multiple technology paths. A key task is deriving engineering specifications for advanced normal-incidence monolithic and segmented mirror systems needed to enable both general astrophysics and ultra-high contrast observations of exoplanets missions as a function of potential launch vehicles and their mass and volume constraints. A key finding of this effort is that the science requires an 8 meter or larger aperture telescope

Stahl, H. Philip↗
NASA NTRS1982

Space telescope - Meeting the pointing control challenge with today's technology

The pointing control system of the Space Telescope, which provides target-to-target maneuvering capability and precision pointing on the target star (with 0.007-arcsec stability and 0.01-arcsec accuracy), is described. Spacecraft attitude control is undertaken by onboard computer processing of attitude and rate sensor data that generates reaction wheel torque commands. The Space Telescope Operations Control Center communicates with the Space Telescope via the synchronous altitude tracking and data relay satellite system, and determines vehicle attitude more precisely by means of sun sensors, magnetometers and fixed-head star trackers. Such disturbance torques as those of gravity gradients and aerodynamics act on the Space Telescope, causing the speeds of the four reaction wheels to increase. In order to prevent the wheels from reaching a speed-saturated condition, a momentum control system is provided for the management of reaction wheel speed buildup. Attention is given to development testing and control hardware investigations and improvements.

Dougherty, H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Large space observatories of the 21st century

Early in the 21st century, advanced space telescopes will be readied to continue the astronomical observations of the Great Observatories currently under development. This paper describes representative concepts from the very large UV/optical and gamma-ray telescopes under study by NASA, the scientific community, and industry. These studies demonstrate that historical approaches to improving the resolution and sensitivity of space telescopes have reached technology barriers which can only be overcome by innovative solutions to the telescope design. Some of the key technology issues which are guiding the approaches for advanced space telescopes are discussed, and arguments are presented that enabling technology development for these future systems must commence now.

Nein, M.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Overview and Summary of Advanced UVOIR Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) Project

ASTRO2010 Decadal Survey stated that an advanced large-aperture ultraviolet, optical, near-infrared (UVOIR) telescope is required to enable the next generation of compelling astrophysics and exoplanet science; and, that present technology is not mature enough to affordably build and launch any potential UVOIR mission concept. AMTD is a multiyear effort to develop, demonstrate and mature critical technologies to TRL-6 by 2018 so that a viable flight mission can be proposed to the 2020 Decadal Review. AMTD builds on the state of art (SOA) defined by over 30 years of monolithic & segmented ground & space-telescope mirror technology to mature six key technologies: center dotLarge-Aperture, Low Areal Density, High Stiffness Mirror Substrates: Both (4 to 8 m) monolithic and (8 to 16 m) segmented telescopes require larger and stiffer mirrors. center dotSupport System: Large-aperture mirrors require large support systems to ensure that they survive launch, deploy on orbit, and maintain a stable, undistorted shape. center dotMid/High Spatial Frequency Figure Error: Very smooth mirror is critical for producing high-quality point spread function (PSF) for high contrast imaging. center dotSegment Edges: The quality of segment edges impacts PSF for high-contrast imaging applications, contributes to stray light noise, and affects total collecting aperture. center dotSegment to Segment Gap Phasing: Segment phasing is critical for producing high-quality temporally-stable PSF. center dotIntegrated Model Validation: On-orbit performance is driven by mechanical & thermal stability. Compliance cannot be 100% tested, but relies on modeling. Because we cannot predict the future, AMTD is pursuing multiple design paths to provide the science community with options to enable either large aperture monolithic or segmented mirrors with clear engineering metrics traceable to science requirements

Stahl, H. Philip↗
NASA NTRS1992

SiC lightweight telescopes for advanced space applications. II - Structures technology

A critical technology area for lightweight SiC-based telescope systems is the structural integrity and thermal stability over spaceborne environmental launch and thermal operating conditions. Note, it is highly desirable to have an inherently athermal design of both SiC mirrors and structure. SSG has developed an 8 inch diameter SiC telescope system for brassboard level optical and thermal testing. The brassboard telescope has demonstrated less than 0.2 waves P-V in the visible wavefront change over +50 C to -200 C temperature range. SSG has also fabricated a SiC truss structural assembly and successfully qualified this hardware at environmental levels greater than 3 times higher than normal Delta, Titan, and ARIES launch loads. SSG is currently developing two SiC telescopes; an 20 cm diameter off-axis 3 mirror re-imaging and a 60 cm aperture on-axis 3 mirror re-imager. Both hardware developments will be tested to flight level environmental, optical, and thermal specifications.

Anapol, Michael I.↗