Overview of the MicroPrecision Interferometer testbed

Abstract

Gives an overview the Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) testbed and its major achievements to date related to mitigating risk for future spaceborne optical interferometer missions. The MPI testbed is a ground-based hardware model of a future spaceborne interferometer. The three primary objectives of the testbed are to: (1) demonstrate the 10 nm positional stability requirement in the ambient lab disturbance environment, (2) predict whether the 10 nm positional stability requirement can be achieved in the anticipated on-orbit disturbance environment, and (3) validate integrated modeling tools that will ultimately be used to design the actual space missions. The paper presents results which represent the latest advancements made on the testbed in the first two areas. Encouraging results from this testbed confirm that MPI provides an essential link between the extensive ongoing ground-based interferometer technology development activities and the technology needs of future spaceborne optical interferometers.