Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST) system engineering trades

Michael J. Wehner; Stewart L. Moses; Charles F. Lillie; Elizabeth D. Johnson

doi:10.1117/12.324504

28 August 1998 Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST) system engineering trades

Michael J. Wehner, Stewart L. Moses, Charles F. Lillie, Elizabeth D. Johnson

Proceedings Volume 3356, Space Telescopes and Instruments V; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324504
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

The Next Generation Space Telescope is intended to extend man's ability to observe the history of the universe to the time when galaxies were first forming. TRW is being funded by NASA to develop mission architectures that can achieve this and other science goals, while still remaining within a rigid cost cap. This paper presents the trade considerations for selecting the optimum NGST architecture. Mission architectures consist of combinations of technologies and mission design elements including different orbits and launch vehicles, aperture sizes, the wavelength bands, thermal control approaches, and observatory configurations. The systems engineering analyses involve defining and assessing the trade spaces for each possible architecture. For example, primary mirror approaches include single-piece, monolithic mirrors of about four meters diameter to much larger segmented mirrors employing advanced deployable technology. The performance of different configurations and mission architectures will be evaluated via end-to-end modeling, so that science utility will be balanced against system cost and risk for each technology. The trades presented suggest optimum directions for further NGST system studies.

Citation Download Citation

Michael J. Wehner, Stewart L. Moses, Charles F. Lillie, and Elizabeth D. Johnson "Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST) system engineering trades", Proc. SPIE 3356, Space Telescopes and Instruments V, (28 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324504

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