Abstract
Because of the weight and volume constraints of space-borne astronomical instruments, segmented reflectors have become the only practical choice for future astrophysical missions. While a monolithic reflector depends on the mechanical properties of its material to provide the dimensional stability required for good optical performance, a segmented reflector requires an active segment-alignment control system in order to make the reflecting surface have the optical performance of a monolithic unit. This paper describes an experimental test-bed that is being developed at the Control and Structures Research Laboratory (CSRL) at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). The CSRL test-bed is a 2.4 m focal length Cassegrain optical configuration consisting of a 2.66 m actively controlled segmented primary and an active secondary. The primary consists of six hexagonal panels surrounding a fixed central panel and supported by a light-weight flexible truss structure. The project has been funded by NASA to study the complex dynamic behavior of large segmented optical systems.
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