This paper provides an overview of a feasible design architecture that satisfies the strict pointing requirements for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Architecture A mission concept. Microthruster technology has matured significantly in recent years, with high specific impulse and low-level disturbance making microthrusters the prime candidate for high-precision pointing in upcoming space telescope missions. HabEx's Architecture A concept utilizes microthrusters as the main actuators for the attitude control system pointing mode and a fine steering piezo-electric-operated mirror is utilized in the inner fine-pointing loop of the attitude control system. Sensing is undertaken using a high-resolution, low-noise focal-plane camera that can support high readout speeds (> 100 Hz), in addition to a state-of-the-art low-order wave front sensor, which is currently under technology development for NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIR.ST).
展开▼