A First Generation Lunar UV Observatory

Abstract

We present a new concept for a first generation unmanned, minimal cost robotic telescope based on the Moon in the near future. The telescope is designed to carry out cutting edge astrophysical research; it can also facilitate future lunar exploration and settlement. The key is to develop and use versatile new technologies that can dramatically lower the mission cost. Major elements are: ultra lightweight telescope mirrors; high temperature superconductor telescope drives; smart, radiation tolerant sensors and electronics; the use of SMEX (Small Explorer) classes rockets such as the Taurus or the Med-Lite; innovative fuel saving trajectories; inexpensive miniature landers; novel power system for night time operation; and world wide amateur participation in data reception and analysis. Most of the elements are in advanced development; some have already been proven in use. By means of these new technologies, we suggest that it is possible to baseline a meter class robotic UV telescope on the Moon for the cost of a SMEX class mission. A followup MIDEX class project can deploy an optical interferometer pair consisting of two diffraction-limited meter class telescopes with a baseline of 50–1000 meters. Angular resolution of better than 0.001 arcsecond can be achieved in visible light. The observatory can be expanded to very large aperture UV/VIS/IR telescopes and interferometer arrays.