Astrophysics Space Observatories: The Next 25 Years

S. H. Morgan; M. E. Nein; J. Howell; D. Koch

doi:10.1117/12.939887

10 June 1987 Astrophysics Space Observatories: The Next 25 Years

S. H. Morgan, M. E. Nein, J. Howell, D. Koch

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0751, Reflective Optics; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939887
Event: OE LASE'87 and EO Imaging Symposium, 1987, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Before the end of this Century, the Great Observatories should be operational. In addition, the manned space station with its supporting infrastructure will be in place to support a variety of space astrophysics activities. This paper briefly describes some of the major Astrophysics Observatories that are awaiting launch, under development, planned, or being proposed for implementation for the next 25 years. Two classes of future observatories that could follow the Great Observatories are discussed in somewhat more detail, Large Optical/UV Observatories and an Advanced Gamma-ray Observatory that would utilize the Shuttle's External Tank. Studies of these concepts demonstrate that the historic approach for improving telescope performance has reached technology barriers and innovative telescope design approaches are required. Some of the key technology issues that have thus far been identified are discussed.

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S. H. Morgan, M. E. Nein, J. Howell, and D. Koch "Astrophysics Space Observatories: The Next 25 Years", Proc. SPIE 0751, Reflective Optics, (10 June 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939887

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