Space Astronomy for the mid-21st Century: Robotically Maintained Space Telescopes

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of robotic maintenance for space telescopes to ensure long-term scientific productivity, emphasizing autonomous operations and modular instrument exchange.

Contribution

It proposes a framework for robotic servicing of space telescopes, highlighting engineering challenges and operational strategies for sustainable long-duration missions.

Findings

Robotic missions can enable long-lasting space telescopes.

Autonomous operations reduce operational costs.

Modular instrument exchange enhances mission longevity.

Abstract

The historical development of ground based astronomical telescopes leads us to expect that space-based astronomical telescopes will need to be operational for many decades. The exchange of scientific instruments in space will be a prerequisite for the long lasting scientific success of such missions. Operationally, the possibility to repair or replace key spacecraft components in space will be mandatory. We argue that these requirements can be fulfilled with robotic missions and see the development of the required engineering as the main challenge. Ground based operations, scientifically and technically, will require a low operational budget of the running costs. These can be achieved through enhanced autonomy of the spacecraft and mission independent concepts for the support of the software. This concept can be applied to areas where the mirror capabilities do not constrain the lifetime of the mission.