Over the past 30 years, space telescopes had a tremendous impact on the development of astrophysics. Depending on scientific tasks, space telescopes differ in size, weight and purpose: from large and multi-tasking for observing deep space at different wavelengths, to specialized ones focused on exoplanets or solar flares. For astrophysics in Kazakhstan, which uses ground-based observatories, it is timely to initiate a project to develop the first Kazakhstani space telescope, opening up new prospects for the development of space science and high-tech instrument industry. Over the past years, scientists from Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute (FAI) have acquired competence in the design, manufacture and operation of wide-angle optical systems and spectral devices based on volumetric phase gratings. In addition, Kazakhstan has experience in the design, assembly and testing of spacecraft. One example is the KazSTSat, created by Ghalam LLP in collaboration with SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., UK). Combining the capabilities of FAI and Ghalam provides a unique opportunity to implement the first stage of a space telescope development. The idea for choosing an orbit type comes from the congestion of near-Earth orbits, and the growing number of launches to the Moon will help determine a potential launch vehicle.
The Goal of the Program
To develop space system architecture for the mission to study resident space objects of artificial and natural origin from a cislunar orbit. Within this program, Phase I will be completed, comprising the conceptualization of scientific tasks of the highest priority, spacecraft design technology and prototyping of its individual segments
Tasks of the Program
Developing the overall concept for a cislunar space telescope requires a comprehensive approach that includes defining scientific objectives, developing technical solutions, and selecting optimal orbits to ensure successful implementation of scientific research. The scientific program defines the main research tasks to be carried out by the telescope. Telescope parameters, such as mirror diameter, focal length, spectral range of observations and other technical characteristics, are determined based on the requirements of the scientific program and the project concept. At this stage, a number of scientific problems and technical solutions for the platform and telescope will be considered, which will allow optimizing the scientific program. The selection of optimal families of cislunar orbits plays a key role in the development of the concept and feasibility of the scientific program. Thus, the telescopt concept, the scientific program, the telescope parameters and the technological solutions are all interrelated and coordinated with each other. Each decision on parameters and technologies must support the main goals and objectives of the scientific program and be consistent with the overall concept of creating a telescope in cislunar orbit.
Task 1. Formulate tasks in the field of spectral and/or photometric observations of objects in near-Earth and cislunar space and develop methods for their analysis;
Task 2. Propose solutions for optimal ballistic and orbital parameters under the influence of three cosmic bodies (Sun, Moon, Earth);
Task 3. Develop technical requirements and specifications for the space system, payload, and subsystems of the spacecraft service platform (including telemetry), determine the top-level requirements for the service platform subsystems;
Task 4. Analyze the factors of the space environment on the cislunar mission, taking into account the radiation and extreme temperature conditions, to develop technologies to improve the safety and fault tolerance of the mission;
Task 5. Develop a preliminary design of a space telescope and create engineering models of individual subsystems (components) of the service platform;
Task 6. Develop a preliminary architecture for the space system, develop requirements for the space and ground segments, and also develop requirements for the launch vehicle;
Task 7. Develop a draft 3D-model of the spacecraft, determine the budgets (resources) of the upper level of the service platform subsystems;
Task 8. Develop a prototype of a mechanism for opening multi-module solar panels with testing using a weight-free system;
Task 9. Develop a prototype of the rigidity frame of the orbital telescope platform, coupled with a mass mock-up of the optical payload for conducting vibration tests and correlating the loads acting on it.
