Sub-milliarcsecond astronomical imaging: advancing space-based astronomical optical interferometry observatories with Optimast

Gerard T. van Belle; Daniel Hillsberry; Jessica Piness; Justin Kugler

doi:10.1117/12.2630597

26 August 2022 Sub-milliarcsecond astronomical imaging: advancing space-based astronomical optical interferometry observatories with Optimast

Gerard T. van Belle, Daniel Hillsberry, Jessica Piness, Justin Kugler

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12183, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VIII; 121831D (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630597
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Abstract

Astrophysical goals articulated in the recent Astronomy Decadal Review demand significant strides in high sensitivity, high spatial resolution observing. Current ground-based interferometric observatories have validated and demonstrated synthetic aperture observation, but are fundamentally limited in sensitivity by the Earth’s atmosphere. Lowell Observatory and Redwire Space, Inc., have recently concluded NASA SBIR Phase II work in developing ‘Optimast’ interferometry technologies which provide us with a toolkit for mission development. Optimast research included demonstrations of a prototype beam combiner, outboard feed optics tracking, and in-situ boom manufacturing for structurally connected free fliers. Our mission’s roadmap includes affordable small demonstrators such as free fliers for flexible at-will observing of the entire sky, and lunar surface ‘suitcase’ concepts for rapid, simple implementation of sensitive, high resolution facilities.

Citation Download Citation

Gerard T. van Belle, Daniel Hillsberry, Jessica Piness, and Justin Kugler "Sub-milliarcsecond astronomical imaging: advancing space-based astronomical optical interferometry observatories with Optimast", Proc. SPIE 12183, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VIII, 121831D (26 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630597

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KEYWORDS

Interferometers

Interferometry

Space operations

Observatories

Astronomy

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Additive manufacturing

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