Overview of the MicroPrecision Interferometer testbed

Gives an overview the Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) testbed and its major achievements to date related to mitigating risk for future spaceborne optical interferometer missions. The MPI testbed is a ground-based hardware model of a future spaceborne interferometer. The three primary objectives...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Neat, G.W., Abramovici, A., Goullioud, R., Korechoff, R.P., Calvet, R.J., Joshi, S.S.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Hardware
Laboratories
Optical attenuators
Optical control
Optical interferometry
Predictive models
Space missions
Space technology
Stability
Testing
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:Gives an overview the Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI) testbed and its major achievements to date related to mitigating risk for future spaceborne optical interferometer missions. The MPI testbed is a ground-based hardware model of a future spaceborne interferometer. The three primary objectives of the testbed are to: (1) demonstrate the 10 nm positional stability requirement in the ambient lab disturbance environment, (2) predict whether the 10 nm positional stability requirement can be achieved in the anticipated on-orbit disturbance environment, and (3) validate integrated modeling tools that will ultimately be used to design the actual space missions. The paper presents results which represent the latest advancements made on the testbed in the first two areas. Encouraging results from this testbed confirm that MPI provides an essential link between the extensive ongoing ground-based interferometer technology development activities and the technology needs of future spaceborne optical interferometers.
ISSN:0743-1619
2378-5861
DOI:10.1109/ACC.1998.707242