Mechanical Design for an Optical-telescope Assembly of a Satellite-laser-ranging System

The structural design of an optical-telescope assembly (OTA) for satellite laser ranging (SLR) is conducted in two steps. First, the results of a parametric study of the major design variables (e.g. dimension and shape) of the OTA part are explained, and the detailed structural design of the OTA is derived, considering the design requirements. Among the structural-shape concepts of various OTAs, the Serrurier truss concept is selected in this study, and the collimation of the telescope according to the design variables is extensively discussed. After generating finite-element models for different structural shapes, self-gravity analyses are performed. To minimize the deflection and tilt of the mirror and frame for the OTA under the limited design requirements, a parametric study is conducted according to design variables such as the shapes of the upper and lower struts and the spider vane. The structural features found in the parametric study are described. Finally, the OTA structure is designed in detail to maintain the optical alignment by balancing the gravity deflections of the upper and lower trusses using the optimal combination of the parameters. Additionally, thermal analysis of the optical telescope design is evalu-ated.