Mechanical design of optical systems for space operation

Michael H. Krim

doi:10.1117/12.61099

28 December 1992 Mechanical design of optical systems for space operation

Michael H. Krim

Proceedings Volume 10265, Optomechanical Design: A Critical Review; 1026502 (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.61099
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The age of large space optical systems began in the early 1960s. With very little precedent but driven by necessity, there emerged a series of new mechanical and structural technologies including dramatically lightweighted mirrors, ultra-stable low thermal expansion structures, large-scale testing thermal and vacuum environment testing, and robust alignment sensing and control systems. We will review in this monograph the growth of these and other technologies, beginning with a heritage that had its origins in amateur telescope making. We will also address a newer design technology, design-to-cost, which has become a dominant system discriminator in the past decade. This is not intended as a how-to technical paper. Instead it is intended to surface some of the questions and considerations that need to be answered in the development of any new systems concept, rather like a checklist, to ensure that low cost and a high probability of initial success are achieved.

Citation Download Citation

Michael H. Krim "Mechanical design of optical systems for space operation", Proc. SPIE 10265, Optomechanical Design: A Critical Review, 1026502 (28 December 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.61099

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