Evaluation of thin films for the Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST) sunshield

Eve M. Wooldridge; Charles E. Powers

doi:10.1117/12.324522

28 August 1998 Evaluation of thin films for the Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST) sunshield

Eve M. Wooldridge, Charles E. Powers

Proceedings Volume 3356, Space Telescopes and Instruments V; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324522
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

The optics and detectors for the NGST, will operate at IR wavelengths between 0.5 and 30 micrometers . To accomplish the requirements set for NGST, the telescope and science module will have to operate at temperatures below 60 K. To achieve cryogenic temperatures, several of the current designs for NGST use a large deployable sunshield to passively cool the telescope. The current concepts for the sunshield consist of 4 to 6 layers of thin film thermal control material supported by deployable struts. The sunshield will need to be about 30 by 15 meters, and will have to survive for 10 years in a deeps space environment. A program has been initiated to identify thin film materials that will meet the NGST sunshield requirements. The first step in this program is a literature research that has identified potential thin film materials and coatings for the sunshield. The second step will involve an initial screening of these materials, followed by more rigorous testing of selected candidate materials. This testing will characterizes the mechanical, thermal and optical properties before and after exposure to a simulated NGST sunshield environment. In addition, because the sunshield will be folded and stowed before launch, the candidate materials will be folded, stowed and unfolded before exposure to the simulated environment.

Citation Download Citation

Eve M. Wooldridge and Charles E. Powers "Evaluation of thin films for the Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST) sunshield", Proc. SPIE 3356, Space Telescopes and Instruments V, (28 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324522

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