We propose a modular, self-assembling architecture enabling the construction of 30+ m diameter, reflective, space telescopes with active optics. The entire structure of the telescope, including the…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded a $124,999.93 grant to Cornell University to research a modular, self-assembling architecture for constructing large, reflective, space-based telescopes with active optics. The proposed system would enable the construction of 30+ meter diameter telescopes at the Sun-Earth L2 point using a single, mass-produced spacecraft module design. Each module would include a hexagonal, one-meter diameter spacecraft bus with an integrated, actively controlled mirror assembly. The modules would be launched independently, navigate to the L2 point using deployable solar sails, and then assemble autonomously with no human or robotic intervention required. No set-aside designation was indicated for this research grant. Cornell University has extensive experience as a prime contractor for NASA and other federal agencies, providing a range of research, engineering, and technical services across diverse scientific and technological domains.

We propose a modular, self-assembling architecture enabling the construction of 30+ m diameter, reflective, space telescopes with active optics. The entire structure of the telescope, including the primary and secondary mirrors, secondary support structure and planar sunshield will be constructed from a single, mass-produced spacecraft module. Each module will be composed of a hexagonal ~1 m diameter spacecraft topped with an edge-to-edge, active mirror assembly. The mirror will have at least thirty degrees of freedom, driven by mechanical actuators, so that the assembled primary and secondary mirrors will be fully active and can be phased and given the appropriate shape post-assembly. Modules will be launched independently as payloads of opportunity, and navigate to the sun-earth L2 point using a deployable solar sail. The solar sails will then become the planar telescope sunshield during telescope assembly, which will proceed autonomously with no additional human or robotic intervention.