Architecture concept for a 10m UV-Optical space telescope

The scientific achievements of the Hubble Space Telescope have motivated interest in a larger and more powerful successor that can operate at ultraviolet and optical wavelengths. NASA recently supported a Visions Mission study called the Modem Universe Space Telescope. The scientific goals require the angular resolution expected from a 10m aperture in visible light and the sensitivity provided by 50m(2) of collecting area. The approach developed by the MUST study team uses a segmented primary mirror that can be assembled in space. Assembly offers advantages over deployment with regard to mass and volume efficient stowage in the launch vehicle fairing, and simplicity of the mechanical and structural design. If the system is designed thoughtfully from the beginning, then robotic techniques such as those investigated for HST servicing might be used to great advantage. Alternatively, if the space operations infrastructure included in the Vision for Space Exploration is developed, then either astronaut EVA or telerobotic assembly techniques could be employed. In either case, in-space assembly enables a telescope that is substantially larger than the diameter of the launch vehicle.