Space optics: challenge and opportunity

James B. Breckinridge

doi:10.1117/12.560474

22 October 2004 Space optics: challenge and opportunity

James B. Breckinridge

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Proceedings Volume 5524, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization VII; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.560474
Event: Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

Innovative optical designs are needed to create the space sensor systems of the future. The NASA mission development process has created several very challenging design and engineering problems. Three of these are discussed: The SAFIR is a 15 to 25 meter clear aperture telescope cooled to 4 degrees Kelvin, with spectrographs and imaging systems cooled to 1 degree Kelvin. The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) will detect and characterize planets in orbit about other stars, The Stellar Interferometer (SI) will image across the surfaces of distant stars. Issues related to optical design & engineering and image quality will be discussed. This paper reviews the optical systems and engineering needs for next generation astrophysics missions.

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James B. Breckinridge "Space optics: challenge and opportunity", Proc. SPIE 5524, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization VII, (22 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.560474

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