Geoff Andersen (USAF Academy), Michael Dearborn (USAF Academy), Geoff McHarg (USAF Academy)
Keywords: Optical Systems
Abstract:
In the event of a sudden loss of space-based surveillance assets, a limited, rapidly deployed replacement system is desirable until more capable satellites can be built and launched. Cadets and staff at the USAF Academy are currently building FalconSat-7, a 0.2m diameter solar observatory to be deployed from a 3U Colony II CubeSat (10x10x30cm). While not optimized for ground observation, such a telescope would have a 1.8m resolution at an orbital altitude of 450km.
Date of Conference: September 13-16, 2011
Track: Optical Systems