Jason Budinoff

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Jason Budinoff is a space telescope engineer and optical systems designer whose work has focused on the conceptual development and practical implementation of next-generation large-aperture space observatories. His most significant contributions center on the challenge of building telescopes too large to launch fully assembled — pioneering concepts for in-space robotic assembly of segmented, scalable optical systems ranging from 10 to 50 meters in aperture. His most cited work, "Concept for a Large Scalable Space Telescope: In-Space Assembly" (2006, 38 citations), laid important groundwork for how NASA might leverage robotic and astronaut-assisted construction in support of its broader exploration vision. Building on this, his "Assembly of a Large Modular Optical Telescope (ALMOST)" (2008, 27 citations) brought hardware-in-the-loop experimentation to the question of robotic assembly at gravitationally stable orbits like GEO and ESL2. Budinoff has also contributed to far-infrared observatory design through his involvement with the SAFIR concept, targeting star formation and early universe chemistry. His body of work addresses a fundamental engineering bottleneck in modern astrophysics — how humanity can build ever-larger eyes on the universe despite the constraints of rocket fairings and launch costs.