Publication Date:
2019-06-28
Description:
The Lunar Transit Telescope (LTT), a unique, nonmoving astronomical survey telescope, is described. The autonomous operation of the soft-landed telescope is discussed and scientific programs enabled by LTT data are listed. The moon is discussed as a viable spacecraft for this mission. In particular, perturbations to the moon's stable rotation are shown to negligibly impact LTT image quality. The stable bearing properties of the lunar regolith are shown suitable for LTT support, as well. Meteoroid impacts on the telescope optics are shown to be a minor problem. A cosmic ray mitigation system which ensures data integrity is described. An opportunity for international collaboration in the reception of LTT data is proposed.
Keywords:
GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES (SPACE)
Type:
In: Robotic telescopes in the 1990s; Proceedings of the Symposium, 103rd Annual Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, June 22-24, 1991, 1991 (A93-36457 14-89); p. 305-324.
Format:
text
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