Site selection and its influence on the design of a lunar-based telescope

Parameter studies related to site selection for the Lunar Ultraviolet Telescope Experiment (LUTE) are presented. Sky coverage is determined for various telescope fields-of-view and site locations. Sunlight and earthshine interference on UV measurements necessitates a light shade whose shape, size, and weight is site dependent and which is constrained by volume and weight limits of the delivery launch vehicle. Operating times free from sunlight or earthshine interference were determined for a solar powered LUTE and an RTG powered LUTE. An RTG allows operation during the lunar night resulting in increased operation time. The design of the focal plane sensor depends on site latitude for a zenith-pointing LUTE or on viewing declination and the focal plane sensor requires precise alignment to properly record the curved tracks of the star images. Results indicate that the design of a lunar-based telescope is significantly influenced by the selection of the lunar site from which it will operate.