Deployment and on-orbit shape modifications for a large space telescope using magnetostriction

The Hubble Space Telescope, with its 2.4-m primary mirror, enabled notable scientific progress and discoveries, like for instance the acceleration of the expansion of the universe. Twenty-six years later, NASA is about the launch the next generation of space telescopes, namely the James Webb Space Telescope, with a diameter of 6.5 m. However the primary mirrors' limited size reduces the performance and thus possible scientific outcome of space telescope missions and the astronomers' desire for larger apertures will surely outstrip the ability of rocket fairings to accommodate these larger apertures. In response to the desire for larger mirrors, deployable mirrors are the logical choice. The APERTURE mission presents a feasible approach toward the reality of deployable diffraction-limited ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) mirrors of 16-m diameter or larger. APERTURE uses a membrane mirror that will be folded like an umbrella and then deployed in space. Thanks to a magnetic smart material coating and a magnetic write head, post deployment corrections will be applied to the surface figure. The feasibility study of the concept has been done in the context of a NIAC Phase I study which is the result of a collaboration between Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A video of the concept has been produced for more clarity. The design and analysis of the folded shape have been carried out to check that the telescope can be effectively stored in a Delta IV Heavy rocket fairing. Then the deployment of the primary mirror has been investigated and two different mechanisms have been selected. The feasibility of post-deployment shape corrections has been studied and the impact of different key design parameters has been computed as a first step towards design optimization. A preliminary design has been obtained which also uses the results of the work carried out at Northwestern University. Finally, a work plan and test campaign have been produced for the potential Phase II of the project.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Corbineau, Marie-Caroline Guylaine Lucie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Coverstone, Victoria Lynn

• Space telescope
• reflective membrane
• deployment
• magnetostriction

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2016 Marie-Caroline Corbineau

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90591

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/90591