Results of an orbital analysis and performance assessment of SAMSI (Spacecraft Array for Michelson Spatial Interferometry) are presented. The device considered includes two one-meter telescopes in orbits which are identical except for slightly different inclinations; the telescopes achieve separations as large as 10 km and relay starlight to a central station which has a one-meter optical delay line in one interferometer arm. It is shown that a 1000-km altitude, zero mean inclination orbit affords natural scanning of the 10-km baseline with departures from optical pathlength equality which are well within the corrective capacity of the optical delay line. Electric propulsion is completely adequate to provide the required spacecraft motions, principally those needed for repointing. Resolution of 0.00001 arcsec and magnitude limits of 15 to 20 are achievable.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Multiple spacecraft Michelson stellar interferometer


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Instrumentation in astronomy V ; 1983 ; London


    Publication date :

    1984-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






    The Nimbus 4 Michelson Interferometer

    R. A. Hanel / D. Rogers / B. Schlachman et al. | NTIS | 1970


    Rocket-borne cryogenic Michelson interferometer

    Kemp, J.C. / Huppi, R.J. | Tema Archive | 1979