Space Telescope Structural Design Analysis Approaches for the Chromotomographic Hyperspectral Imaging Experiment

摘要

This work presents the results of an analysis and design study of the space telescope structural design for the Air Force Institute of Technology's (AFIT) Chromotomographic Experiment (CTEx). The CTEx program is focused on demonstrating hyperspectral chromotomography from space; which represents a significant improvement in spectral, temporal, and spatial data available from a single sensor. The presented research is solely focused on developing an analysis approach for creating a structural enclosure for the hardware to be mounted on an external experiment pallet on the International Space Station (ISS). The structural enclosure for CTEx must be rigid and strong in order to survive the loads encountered during the launch to orbit and must also accommodate the ISS requirements. There are aspects of the design and ISS requirements that present several significant design challenges which include the structure stiffness and strength that meets launch, operational, and pressure loads. Five designs of integrally stiffened panels are compared and contrasted for the enclosure and stray light baffle. Finite element analysis of the structure and pressure vessel is shown as a means of demonstrating proof of concept before final prototype hardware will be built. The analyses show that the structure can withstand launch events and meet all the requirements in terms of supporting the space telescope during operation.