Astronaut-Aided Construction of Large Lunar Telescopes


NASA Human&Robotic Exploration study
2002

Human&Robotic Exploration objective: Identify revolutionary architectures, concepts, and key technology requirements for Human and Robotic systems which have the potential, when synergistically combined, to reduce the time, distance and safety barriers associated with scientific exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Assess effectiveness of astronomical telescopes on the Moon and their optimum design features.

PROGRESS:
2002/5 Planned activities / objectives
2002/7 Progress report
2002/9 Progress report
2002/11 Presentation to Langley (yuki's comments)

Outline

1. Motivation (report, presentation)
1.1. Astronomical objectives beyond JWST / TPF Where did we come from?
Are we alone?
NASA Origins Program: [Roadmaps] - Planet Quest
NASA Structure & Evolution of the Universe
1.2. Required Observations Spectral Range: mid-far infrared
Telescope Type/Size: large-aperture
NRC Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium (2001)
NRC Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millennium: Panel Reports (2001)
Planned Telescopes
Herschel SPIRIT SIRTF TPF KIA SMART-2 Eddington FUSE
ALMA SPECS SOFIA Darwin VLTI OWL SIM HST
ALMA SAFIR NGST LF, pdf LSST PI Gaia SUVO
Interferometry (nulling, Darwin) Principles of Long Baseline Interferometry
Nulling interferometry and ESA's Darwin mission
Instruments

2. Rationale for constructing telescopes on the Moon
Cooling
Vibration control - (lunar seismicity)
Thermal control
Construction
Accessibility
Lifetime

3. Concepts for lunar telescopes
Single-aperture
Interferometer

4. Elements of manufactureing and emplacement of lunar telescopes
Manufacturing on Earth, Testing on Earth, Transportation, Site preparation, Erection, Adjustment, Calibration and test
Infrastructure for site operations, Infrastructure for human operations

5. Role of on-site humans in construction
Inspection, Teleoperation of assembly process, Capabilities and limits to on-site human construction

6. Role of robots in construction

7. Synergy between humans and robots

8. Operation of a large lunar telescope
Commissioning, Maintenance, Repair, Instrument upgrades, Strategies for human involvement in operations

9. Parametric cost approach for construction and ooperation of large lunar telescope
R&D, Manufacturing, Transporation, Emplacement, Operations

10. Multiple uses of infrastructure

REFERENCE

Large Lunar Telescope (NASA) 
STUDY TEAM
 Dr. Michael Duke (PI)  (lunar geology / development)           Colorado School of Mines
 Dr. Robert King        (mining engineering / robotics)         Colorado School of Mines
 Paul van Susante       (civil engineer / engineering systems)  Colorado School of Mines
 Dr. Jeffrey van Cleve  (astronomy / space instruments)         Ball Aerospace
 Yuki Takahashi         (astrophysics / physics)                University of California, Berkeley