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The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission, to be launched in 2014 as a part of NASA's Origins Program, will search for Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. One main concept under study is a structurally connected interferometer. Integrated modeling of all aspects of the flight system is necessary to ensure that the stringent dynamic stability requirements imposed by the mission are met. The MIT Space Systems Laboratory has developed a suite of analysis tools known as DOCS (Disturbances Optics Controls Structures) that provides a MATLAB environment for managing integrated models and performing analysis and design optimization. DOCS provides a framework for identifying critical subsystem design parameters and efficiently computing system performance as a function of subsystem design. Additionally, the gradients of the performance outputs with respect to design variables can be analytically computed and used for automated exploration and optimization of the design space. The TPF integrated model consists of a structural finite element model, optical performance model, reaction wheel isolation stage, and attitude/optical control systems. The integrated model is expandable and upgradeable due to the modularity of the state-space subsystem models. Optical performance under reaction wheel disturbances is computed, and the effects of changing design parameters are explored. The results identify redesign options that meet performance requirements with improved margins, reduced cost and minimized risk.
The technology plan for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPF-I) describes the breadth of technology development currently envisaged to enable TPF-I to search for habitable worlds around nearby stars. TPF-I is currently in Pre-Phase A (the Advanced Study Phase) of its development. For planning purposes, it is expected to enter into Phase A in 2010 and be launched sometime before 2020. TPF-I is being developed concurrently with the Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C), whose launch is anticipated in 201 6. The missions are being designed with the capability to detect Earth-like planets should they exist in the habitable zones of Sun-like (F,G, and K) stars out to a distance of about 60 light-years. Each mission will have the starlight-suppression and spectroscopic capability to enable the characterization of extrasolar planetary atmospheres, identifying biomarkers and signs of life. TPF-C is designed as a visible-light coronagraph; TPF-I is designed as a mid-infrared formation-flying interferometer. The two missions, working together, promise to yield unambiguous detections and characterizations of Earth-like planets. The challenges of planet detections with mid-infrared formation-flying interferometry are described within this technology plan. The approach to developing the technology is described through roadmaps that lead from our current state of the art through the different phases of mission development to launch. Technology metrics and milestones are given to measure progress. The emphasis of the plan is development and acquisition of technology during pre-Phase A to establish feasibility of the mission to enter Phase A sometime around 2010. Plans beyond 2010 are outlined. The plan contains descriptions of the development of new component technology as well as testbeds that demonstrate the viability of new techniques and technology required for the mission. Starlight-suppression (nulling) and formation-flying technology are highlighted. Al
Radiometric Tracking Techniques for Deep-Space Navigation focuses on a broad array of technologies and concepts developed over the last four decades to support radio navigation on interplanetary spacecraft. In addition to an overview of Earth-based radio navigation techniques, the book includes a simplified conceptual presentation of each radiometric measurement type, its information content, and the expected measeurement accuracy. The methods described for both aquiring and calibrating radiometric measurements also provide a robust system to support guidance and navigation for future robotic space exploration.