In order to advance space-based UV/optical/IR astronomy, the development of larger telescopes is imperative. This necessity arises from the need to observe extremely faint astrophysical targets such as Earth-like exoplanets, first-generation stars, and early galaxies. However, the cost associated with scaling current space telescope technologies to aperture sizes beyond 10 meters poses a significant challenge. Without scalable technologies for larger telescopes, the progress of astrophysics may stagnate. Thus, there is a pressing need for cost-effective solutions to facilitate the scaling of space telescopes to larger sizes.
The FLUTE project addresses this challenge by proposing a revolutionary approach to space observatories with large aperture, unsegmented liquid primary mirrors. These mirrors would be formed in space using a novel technique based on fluidic shaping in microgravity. This concept has already shown promise through successful demonstrations in laboratory settings, parabolic microgravity flights, and aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The scalability of this technique makes it theoretically applicable to large aperture mirrors. However, to ensure feasibility within the next 15-20 years, the project limits the diameter of the primary mirror to 50 meters.
During Phase I of the project, several key objectives were achieved:
– Exploration of mirror liquids, with a focus on ionic liquids
– Extensive study of ionic liquids with suitable properties
– Development of techniques for enhancing reflectivity of ionic liquids
– Analysis of alternative architectures for the main mirror frame
– Modeling of the effects of slewing maneuvers and temperature variations on the mirror surface
– Development of a detailed mission concept for a 50-meter fluidic mirror observatory
– Generation of initial concepts for a subscale small spacecraft demonstration in low Earth orbit.
Moving forward to Phase II, the project aims to further refine the mission concept and address key technical challenges:
– Continued analysis of mirror frame architectures and dynamic properties
– Advancement of machine learning-based modeling for reflectivity enhancement techniques
– Further development of liquid mirror dynamics modeling, including the impact of external disturbances and thermal effects
– Creation of an optical chain model from the liquid mirror surface to the science instruments
– Maturation of the mission concept for a larger-scale observatory
– Refinement of the concept for a small spacecraft technology demonstration mission.
Through these efforts, the FLUTE project aims to revolutionize space-based astronomy by enabling the construction of large aperture telescopes at a feasible cost, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the field.
