Design Trades for Next Generation UV/Optical//NIR Space Telescopes

摘要

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) continues to provide spectacular views into the universe. Its findings have profoundly affected mankind's view of itself by revealing to scientist and layperson alike many previously unimaginable discoveries. These result from the technical capability of HST. This 2.4-meter aperture diameter telescope includes imaging, spectroscopic, as well as limited coronagraphic instrumentation. Current plans (as of 2/8/2005) are to operate HST until later this decade, without servicing, and then deorbit it in a controlled manner early next decade. Cost effective, 2.4 meter, near term replacements for HST are under study as part of the NASA sponsored Origin Probe studies. TPF-C, scheduled for launch in mid-next decade, will develop the large mirror technology that could enable a next generation UV/Optical/NIR facility. The next generation facility would be a very large aperture collector telescope with wide field of view (FOV) imagery, precise wavefront control, and high ultraviolet efficiency. The facility would provide spectroscopic capability in addition to imagery. This paper will explore design trades and configurations applicable to a future expanded HST.