Optics are the major driver in technology development. The key issues currently under study are:
- Maintaining the mirror figure using on-orbit active control
- Alignment of mirror modules
- Mirror deployment during telescope activation at L2
- Mirror Figure adjustment on-orbit
Science Instruments
- XMS: Multiplexing microcalorimeter pixel array (1800x1800)
- WFI: Active pixel imager (4000x4000)
- XGS: Ruled transmission reflection grating
Spacecraft and Mission
- Solar collector and thermal control system
- Deployables: optical bench, sun shade
- VM Study found s/c at TRL 4-6
Preliminary Technology Development Plan
We have defined a phased program comprised of four coordinated
technology development activities for the optics, XMS, WFI and
Gratings, under a management, science and mission system engineering
task. Each of the four activities has defined technology demonstration
"gates" which mark significant technology advances progressing toward
technology readiness level 6 at the start of a Phase A flight
mission. The overall program is structured around six Program
Technology Gates (PTG-1..6) that integrate the optics and instrument
technology development activities. PTG reviews verify that groups of
gate reviews have been met, provide system-level decision points for
down selects, and allow for updates of the requirement flow from
science to technology implementation.
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