We present the general concept of a telescope with optics and detectors mounted on two separate spacecrafts, in orbit around the telescope’s target (scopocentric or target-centric orbit), and using propulsion to maintain the Target-Optics-Detector alignment and Optics-Detector distance. Specifically, we study the case of such a telescope with the Sun as the target, orbiting at ∼1 AU. We present a simple differential acceleration budget for maintaining Target-Optics-Detector alignment and Optics-Detector distance, backed by simulations of the orbital dynamics, including solar radiation pressure and influence of the planets. Of prime interest are heliocentric orbits (such as Earth-trailing/leading orbits or Distant Retrograde Orbits), where thrust requirement to maintain formation is primarily in a single direction (either sunward or anti-sunward), can be quite minuscule (a few m/s/year), and preferably met by constant-thrust engines such as solar electric propulsion or even by solar sailing via simple extendable and/or orientable flaps or rudders.
Precise Formation-Flying Telescope in Target-Centric Orbit: the Solar Case
J Astronaut Sci
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences ; 67 , 4 ; 1391-1411
2020-12-01
21 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Acquirement of pure gravity orbit using precise formation flying technology
Online Contents | 2013
|Solar sail formation flying on an inclined Earth orbit
Online Contents | 2011
|Solar sail formation flying on an inclined Earth orbit
Elsevier | 2010
|