High Precision Pointing Stability and Control for Exoplanet Missions
Abstract
Exoplanet imaging and characterization space observatories require high precision pointing stability and stability. We have developed a toolbox of sensors, actuators and algorithms along with a systems approach to meet the demanding needs of these missions. Grown from developments and experience gained from high precision Earth remote sensing missions such as the WorldView satellites, as well as high performance astrophysics missions such as Kepler and JWST, these capabilities are enabling for a wide range of future missions. The approaches take advantage of highly flexible software architectures; Enhanced ground simulation capabilities for system tuning and verification and validation; Testing capabilities to verify our modelling; High precision sensors including sub-arc-second star trackers and fine guidance sensors; High bandwidth fast steering mirrors for optical path control; and high precision reaction wheels and control moment gyros for overall observatory control. Many of these capabilities coupled with innovative thinking have been applied to the recent Kepler mission to enable the K2 extended mission concept.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #224
- Pub Date:
- June 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014AAS...22412211B