The Advanced Structures/Controls Integrated Experiment (ASCIE): A Control Technology Test Bed For Large Segmented Reflectors

Kenneth R. Lorell; Jean-Noel Aubrun

doi:10.1117/12.960833

20 September 1989 The Advanced Structures/Controls Integrated Experiment (ASCIE): A Control Technology Test Bed For Large Segmented Reflectors

Kenneth R. Lorell, Jean-Noel Aubrun

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1114, Active Telescope Systems; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960833
Event: SPIE 1989 Technical Symposium on Aerospace Sensing, 1989, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Improvements in state-of-the-art focal plane sensors mean that the next level of performance improvement for astronomical instruments must come from an increase in the aperture. While both monolithic and segmented mirrors are being considered for ground-based systems, weight and volume constraints make segmented reflectors the only practical approach for space systems. Segmented reflectors require an active segment-alignment control system in order to make the reflecting surface have the optical performance of a monolith. This paper describes an experimental apparatus developed at the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory called the Advanced Structures/Controls Integrated Experiment (ASCIE). The ASCIE consists of a Cassegrain optical configuration with a 2-m seven-segment actively controlled primary mirror supported by a light, flexible truss structure. The ASCIE is a response to the need for experiments that can simulate the complex dynamic behavior of a large structure and which address the myriad problems associated with precision control of optical surfaces. This paper describes the ASCIE test bed, presents details of the control and optical measurement systems, and reports on preliminary performance results.

Citation Download Citation

Kenneth R. Lorell and Jean-Noel Aubrun "The Advanced Structures/Controls Integrated Experiment (ASCIE): A Control Technology Test Bed For Large Segmented Reflectors", Proc. SPIE 1114, Active Telescope Systems, (20 September 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960833

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available