Therefore, to predict on-orbit performance we perform STOP analysis – we model a telescope’s Structural Thermal Optical Performance based on its measurable physical properties.”įor example, the stability of a telescope depends on the material properties of its mirrors and structure and the thermal changes it experiences. Stahl, “Picometers are very small, and measuring telescope stability to picometer levels is virtually impossible. To detect an Earth-like planet with a coronagraph requires a telescope whose optical quality is stable to better than 10 picometers per 10 minutes – which is about 1 million times smaller than the width of a human hair.Īccording to NASA Predictive Thermal Control (PTC) project lead, Dr. The resulting glare will “hide” the planet. But, any instability in the telescope – such as misalignment between the mirrors or a change in the mirror’s shape – will allow the starlight to “leak” through the coronagraph. One way to block this light is with a coronagraph. To respond to this challenge, NASA has been developing technologies to achieve ultra-stable telescopes since 2011.īecause an Earth-like planet is 10 billion times fainter than its star, it is necessary to block nearly all of the star’s light before we can see the planet. Direct imaging of planetary systems around other stars to detect and characterize Earth-like planets that could sustain life requires telescopes that are larger and more stable than any previous telescope. “Are we alone in the universe?” may be one of the most compelling questions of our generation. 1.5-meter ULE© mirror in 25-zone thermal assembly ready for environmental testing at MSFC’s X-Ray and Cryogenic Facility (Inage credit: NASA MSFC)
0 kommentar(er)
