Definition of the MAROTS Reflector Meridan Line by Interpolation: Application to Optical Measurements

摘要

The positioning of the optics, as part of laboratory tests on the MAROTS reflector in order to measure thermoelastic deflections while simulating typical orbital temperature distributions, is described. The experiment revolves around a theodolite located at the axis of the reflector; small mirrors are attached to the reflector. Consequently, positioning depends on the reflector surface being known with sufficient accuracy. As the meridian line is initially defined by 40 points, interpolation of measurement data provides accurate coordinates and slopes at any point. Interpolation by adequate spline functions is shown to give satisfactory results, making it possible to optimize the location of the theodolite and the mirrors for the deflection measurements.