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TPF book

 
Chapter 10  (192K)
Chapter 12  (544K)
Appendix A  (64K)
Appendix B  (144K)
Appendix C  (32K)
Technology
  Technological Precursors for TPF
TPF Technology


Studies have identified the key technology developments needed for TPF. For most of these developments, advanced ground and space based telescopes and interferometers are currently in operation or under development and they will provide this technology heritage for TPF to build on.


TPF Precursors
  PTI Keck-I LBT SIRTF SIM DS-3 NGST
Nulling        
Formation Flying            
Large Cryoptics          
Active Optics  
Metrology    
Pointing, Stabilization & Vibration Control  
Passive Cooling          
IR Detectors          
Interferometer System Technology    


These devices and missions may each be accessed on their own web pages. Palomar Testbed Interferometer, Keck Interferometer, Large Binocular Telescope, Space Infrared Telescope Facility, Space Interferometry Mission, DS-3 and the Next Generation Space Telescope.

Two main items require special additional development, interferometric nulling in space, and control of separate spacecraft and formation flying. Both of these items have development planned for precursor missions and ground observations. Both will also require some special development for TPF. NASA plans to fully support the development of TPF prior to full scale development.