Autonomous Assembly of a Reconfigurable Space Tele- scope (AAReST) for Astronomy and Earth Observation

This paper presents a concept for a multi-aperture space telescope built up of autonomous reconfigurable spacecraft elements which, when docked together, can synthesise a large aperture through the use of adaptive optics. The eventual aim is to develop telescopes with apertures exceeding 20m, and thus to move on a generation from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) planned for launch in 2014. To gain confidence, a pre-cursor mission (AAReST) is proposed, comprising seven nanosatellites – a central hexagonal primary mirror satellite, carrying the focal plane assembly, together with six additional “mirrorcraft” capable of un-docking and autonomously re-docking to form a reconfigurable multi-aperture telescope. The telescope will be used for both astronomical and terrestrial observations, and there will be an outreach programme for educational access. The University of Surrey is primarily responsible for the spacecraft bus technology, including guidance and propulsion, whilst CalTech is primarily responsible for the mission planning and adaptive optics. Both are working on the autonomous manoeuvring/docking system. The project has oversight and support from NASA-JPL, and the aim is to fly AAReST in 2013-2014. The main bus elements of the “mirrorcraft” will fly as part of Surrey’s STRaND CubeSat mission due for launch in 2011.