Optical Array Versus Monolithic Telescope Ground Station Cost Assessment

Romanofsky, Robert R

关键词: COST ANALYSIS;    DEEP SPACE;    DESIGN OPTIMIZATION;    FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS;    FIELD OF VIEW;    GROUND STATIONS;    LIFE CYCLE COSTS;    MATHEMATICAL MODELS;    MIRRORS;    OPERATING COSTS;    PULSE POSITION MODULATION;    SPECTROSCOPIC TELESCOPES;    STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY;   

RP-ID  :  NASA/TM-2019-220216,E-19701,GRC-E-DAA-TN68871

美国|英语

来源: NASA Technical Reports Server

【 摘 要 】

The purpose of this study is to outline the design of an optimal array of optical telescopes to emulate performance of a monolithic 12 m telescope in support of deep-space communications. In this case, optimal means minimizing the initial capital investment and operational cost while maintaining performance requirements of the deep-space link. The design is approached from a practical, engineering perspective. Pulse position modulation (PPM) signal formatting and photon counting detectors are assumed at each telescope in the array. That is, the telescopes function as so-called light buckets, so direct detection (as opposed to coherent reception) of the received signals is assumed, and there is no intention to consider active compensation for atmospheric turbulence-induced phase fluctuations. A parametric analysis among aperture size, detector size, and primary mirror surface quality, in the context of field-of-view expansion, is presented to minimize the cost function.