KEYWORDS: Space telescopes, Telescopes, Mirrors, Prototyping, Composites, Finite element methods, Optical fabrication, James Webb Space Telescope, Observatories, Optical instrument design
Several variations of large space-based observatories have been hypothesized using different approaches to
deploying the primary and secondary mirrors on orbit. Careful consideration must also be given to the design and
implementation of the shield that protects these observatories from thermal extremes, micro-debris, and controls stray
light entry into the optical train. One approach to the shield architecture is use of an Optical Barrel Assembly (OBA),
such as that used on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). For space telescopes much larger than the HST, an OBA will
need to be deployed or assembled to form an adequately large structure to fully shield both the primary mirror and
secondary mirror.
This paper describes the design, prototyping, characterization tests, and test results from two different OBA
development efforts. The first design is a combined barrel and secondary mirror support structure. This system was
designed for a fixed primary mirror and deploys straight upward along the optical axis, carrying the Secondary Mirror
Assembly (SMA) with it. The second OBA design is of a structurally independent OBA that deploys out from behind
the Primary Mirror Assembly (PMA) (itself deployed or assembled) and extends forward along the optical axis to
completely enclose the optical train, pulling along the shroud material.
Examples of both systems were built out of prototype materials, tested, and the test results were compared against
modeled predictions of system performance. The designs, test procedures, and test results are presented along with
recommendations for future work.
Future space based telescopes will need apertures and focal lengths that exceed the dimensions of the launch vehicle
shroud. In addition to deploying the primary mirror and secondary mirror support structure, these large telescopes must
also deploy the stray light and thermal barriers needed to ensure proper telescope performance. The authors present a
deployable light and thermal optical barrel assembly approach for a very large telescope with a variable sun angle and
fast slew rate. The Strain Energy Deployable Optical Barrel Assembly (SEDOBA) uses elastic composite hinges to
power the deployment of a hierarchical truss structure that supports the thermal and stray light shroud material that form
the overall system. The paper describes the overall design approach, the key component technologies, and the design and
preliminary testing of a self deploying scale model prototype.
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