Approaches to lowering the cost of large space telescopes

TL;DR

This paper discusses innovative approaches to reduce costs of large space telescopes by leveraging advances in technology, design, and risk management, inspired by the success of small satellite missions.

Contribution

It presents a conceptual design for a low-cost 6.5 m space telescope using lessons from ground-based and flagship missions, emphasizing cost-effective stability and control systems.

Findings

Design leverages commercial electronics for cost savings

Active predictive control enhances stability at lower costs

Trade studies inform requirements for reliability and wavefront stability

Abstract

New development approaches, including launch vehicles and advances in sensors, computing, and software, have lowered the cost of entry into space, and have enabled a revolution in low-cost, high-risk Small Satellite (SmallSat) missions. To bring about a similar transformation in larger space telescopes, it is necessary to reconsider the full paradigm of space observatories. Here we will review the history of space telescope development and cost drivers, and describe an example conceptual design for a low cost 6.5 m optical telescope to enable new science when operated in space at room temperature. It uses a monolithic primary mirror of borosilicate glass, drawing on lessons and tools from decades of experience with ground-based observatories and instruments, as well as flagship space missions. It takes advantage, as do large launch vehicles, of increased computing power and space-worthy commercial electronics in low-cost active predictive control systems to maintain stability. We will describe an approach that incorporates science and trade study results that address driving requirements such as integration and testing costs, reliability, spacecraft jitter, and wavefront stability in this new risk-tolerant "LargeSat" context.