Dobson Space Telescope - Recent Developments

Paper number

IAC-05-B5.4.08

Author

Mr. Tom Segert, Technical University of Berlin, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Bjoern Danziger, Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Matthias Lieder, Technical University of Berlin, Germany

Year

2005

Abstract

This paper will give an overview about the recent progress of the research project Dobson Space Telescope (DST) at the Technische Universität Berlin (TU-Berlin). The projects aim is to develop affordable high class optics for micro satellites. This is done using a completely new type of self deploying self collimating telescope system. Where classical solid telescopes are sent to space operation ready the DST is stored in a small box during launch. It is made operational after the satellite reached orbit. This strategy has several advantages compared to solid telescopes: foldable telescopes with the same aperture are much lighter (up to 50%) and the needed volume during launch is also dramatically reduced (up to 70%) and since they are collimated in space there is no risk of loosing collimation during launch. This technology enables a satellite of the 100kg class to carry a telescope with a 50cm f/8 Cassegrain optic. So it can compete with state of the art commercial satellites like Orbview3 and achieve 1m/4m (pan/ms) resolution and an 8km Swath (550km orbit). Due to the smaller satellite this concept promises a huge cost reduction for the space segment. While other deployable optic concepts are using deployable mirrors a technology (e.g. JWST) which are very expensive and not mature right now the DST team favours a foldable truss concept. In this case only the optical bench is folded. The mirrors and Focal plane assembly are fixed. In the frame of an ESA GSP Study potential users and applications have been identified. The current research work concentrates on the development of 3 test beds to further develop the critical technologies.

• The first test bed tests the deployment mechanism (Ready April 2005)

• The second test bed test the collimation mechanism and active optics (Ready April 2005)

• The third test bed is a combination of test bed 1 and test bed 2 and will be flown on a parabolic flight campaign (July 2005)

Core element of these test beds is scaled version of the planned DST optic. It consist of a Cassegrain Telescope with 35cm Apertur and a focal length of 3m, a deployable truss structure and a 5-axis active optic system. To support the development of the Dobson Space Telescope the research team at the TU-Berlin has formed a strategic alliance with the Space Initiative Berlin Brandenburg (RIBB). RIBB is a network of space related SME’s that built parts for the TUBSat Series and the DLR BIRD Satellite. Due to the very promising results of the current work the team is confident to acquire further funding to enable the construction of a flight model and the in orbit verification in 2007.

Abstract document

IAC-05-B5.4.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B5.4.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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