Use of the Microprecision Interferometer testbed for developing control technology for spaceborne optical interferometer missions

Abstract

This paper describes 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 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 tools that will ultimately to be used to design the actual space missions. This paper describes the hardware testbed in its present configuration. The testbed simulation model, as it stands today, will be described elsewhere. The paper presents results concerning closed loop positional stabilities at or below the 10 nm requirement for both the ambient and on-orbit disturbance environments. These encouraging results confirm that the MPI testbed provides an essential link between the extensive ongoing ground-based interferometer technology development activities and the technology needs of future spaceborne optical interferometers.