Author Topic: Manned mission to construct huge GEO and deep space telescopes proposed  (Read 38883 times)

Offline Lee Jay

  • Elite Veteran
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8566
  • Liked: 3603
  • Likes Given: 327
How big, say compared to Hubble, would these telescopes be?

2.4m versus 8.4m.  This is an 8.4m mirror:

http://www.lsst.org/News/enews/img/mirror-blank.jpg

Offline robertross

  • Canadian Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17939
  • Westphal, Nova Scotia
  • Liked: 659
  • Likes Given: 7688
How big, say compared to Hubble, would these telescopes be?

Actually, if you read Chris' article again, it describes some of these aspects.

Offline Robotbeat

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 39270
  • Minnesota
  • Liked: 25240
  • Likes Given: 12115
A very large (~30 meter diameter) "telescope" in GSO has many military/intelligence benefits... Imagine being able to have a constant live video feed of a whole region (or at least a whole city or battlefield), with resolution almost near what you're accustomed to for a regular reconnaissance satellite in LEO (<1 meter at visible wavelengths--able to spot individual people moving around--as opposed to ~10 meters for a Hubble-sized spy sat at GSO--barely enough to distinguish a semi-truck). Infrared capability would enable you to spot any vehicles running around at night. Every commander could have a real-time battle map (possibly on a PDA/Smartphone-sized device) so he knows exactly where the enemy is and can watch him move around, without needing to wait and alert the enemy by deploying an UAV first. This would be an enormous benefit.

Could this help subsidize development of a HLV and/or the capability to build a satellite like this at GSO? This may be a VERY important source of funding for a HLV, since the Defense budget is not frozen.
Chris  Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

To the maximum extent practicable, the Federal Government shall plan missions to accommodate the space transportation services capabilities of United States commercial providers. US law http://goo.gl/YZYNt0

Online Chris Bergin

Move and bump to the HLV area.
Support NSF via L2 -- Help improve NSF -- Site Rules/Feedback/Updates
**Not a L2 member? Whitelist this forum in your adblocker to support the site and ensure full functionality.**

Tags:
 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
1