•NASA Goddard has launched a series of Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) to the solar system ... more •NASA Goddard has launched a series of Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) to the solar system – including the IRIS on two Voyagers, and Cassini CIRS at Saturn •Passive IR remote sensing in emission (limb & nadir) is a power tool for characterization of - Surface and atmosphere temperatures - Composition - Dynamics via the thermal wind equation •Increased in size, culminating in 43 kg for CIRS, so develop CIRS-
Several designs of filters for use in vacuum UV imaging systems are discussed. These designs inco... more Several designs of filters for use in vacuum UV imaging systems are discussed. These designs incorporate all reflective optics,and are characterized by comparatively high in-band throughout, very low out-of-band transmission and sub-arcsecond spatial resolution. In addition, they an be tuned over ranges useful for vacuum UV astronomical observations. Results from a simplified laboratory version of the filters intended to prove the concept are presented.
The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several... more The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several design incarnations. Here we will discus the design process in detail and compare the design and performance of the 9.2m segmented, the 8m monolithic on-axis and 8m x 6m off-axis concepts.
We present the latest optical design concepts for the Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM). This miss... more We present the latest optical design concepts for the Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM). This mission will tightly constrain the cosmological parameters describing the accelerating expansion of the universe. The current candidate designs are based on extensive examination of the interplay of requirements for the leading techniques being considered for space borne observation: Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO), Type Ia Supernovae (SN), and gravitational Weak Lensing (WL). All techniques require very large fields of view across the visible/near infrared spectrum; BAO uniquely requires a moderate dispersion wide field spectroscopy capability. Weak lensing requires very good stability and knowledge of the point spread function in order to enable detection of local variations in galaxy ellipticities caused by the intervening dark matter. SN imaging spectroscopy should be done to high photometric signal to noise in order to make best use of these 'standard candles.' We have studied medium class and smaller, "Probe" class implementations enabling from one to three of these techniques. We describe two concepts that were submitted to the 2010 Astrophysics Decadal review as well as current concepts.
ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-E... more ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by NASA's planned Ares V cargo launch vehicle. The ATLAST-8 will yield fundamental astronomical breakthroughs. The mission concept utilizes two enabling technologies: planned Ares-V launch vehicle (scheduled for 2019) and autonomous rendezvous and docking (AR&D). The unprecedented Ares-V payload and mass capacity enables the use of a massive, monolithic, thin-meniscus primary mirror-similar to a VLT or Subaru. Furthermore, it enables simple robust design rules to mitigate cost, schedule and performance risk. AR&D enables on-orbit servicing, extending mission life and enhancing science return.
International Optical Design Conference and Optical Fabrication and Testing, 2010
The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several... more The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several design incarnations. Here we will compare the design and performance of the 9.2m se gmented, the 8m monolithic on-axis and 8m x 6m off-axis concepts.
ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbi... more ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by a heavily lift launch vehicle. Two development study cycles have resulted in a detailed concept including a dual foci optical design; several primary mirror launch support and secondary mirror support structural designs; spacecraft propulsion, power and pointing control design; and thermal design. ATLAST-8m is designed to yield never before achieved performance to obtain fundamental astronomical breakthroughs.
A highly Integrated Design Team (IDT) within a flight project evolves in its function and has the... more A highly Integrated Design Team (IDT) within a flight project evolves in its function and has the potential to provide many benefits through the project lifecycle. The benefits include superior systems-oriented design products, as well as overall improved project efficiency and higher-performing interpersonal relationships within the project. If physically integrated, this can manifest as an Integrated Design Center (IDC) centrally located within a project’s physical office space. Here we discuss the process to establish and maintain a tightly integrated design team for highly streamlined engineering service to the project, including a cost/benefits analysis discussion.
ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-E... more ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by NASA's planned Ares V cargo launch vehicle. The ATLAST-8 will yield fundamental astronomical breakthroughs. The mission concept utilizes two enabling technologies: planned Ares-V launch vehicle (scheduled for 2019) and autonomous rendezvous and docking (AR&D). The unprecedented Ares-V payload and mass capacity enables the use of a massive, monolithic, thin-meniscus primary mirror-similar to a VLT or Subaru. Furthermore, it enables simple robust design rules to mitigate cost, schedule and performance risk. AR&D enables on-orbit servicing, extending mission life and enhancing science return.
ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbi... more ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by a heavily lift launch vehicle. Two development study cycles have resulted in a detailed concept including a dual foci optical design; several primary mirror launch support and secondary mirror support structural designs; spacecraft propulsion, power and pointing control design; and thermal design. ATLAST-8m is designed to yield never before achieved performance to obtain fundamental astronomical breakthroughs.
Remote sensing of planetary atmospheres and surfaces via spectrometers such as Cassini CIRS is a ... more Remote sensing of planetary atmospheres and surfaces via spectrometers such as Cassini CIRS is a powerful tool for inferring temperatures, composition, and dynamics. We are developing a lightweight successor to CIRS - CIRS-lite.
The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) is an instrument currently under development at NASA G... more The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) is an instrument currently under development at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for the Cassini mission to Saturn. The CIRS optical design heritage extends back to the Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) which flew on Voyager. CIRS is the next logical step in the exploration of the atmosphere of Saturn and Titan. It will obtain more complete sets of data with broader spectral coverage, higher spectral and spatial resolution, and greater sensitivity. The CIRS optical design consists of four subassemblies: (1) a 50.8 cm diameter Cassegrain telescope, (2) a Mid-Infrared (MIR) Michelson interferometer, (3) a Far-Infrared (FIR) polarizing interferometer, and (4) a Reference interferometer (RI).
•NASA Goddard has launched a series of Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) to the solar system ... more •NASA Goddard has launched a series of Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) to the solar system – including the IRIS on two Voyagers, and Cassini CIRS at Saturn •Passive IR remote sensing in emission (limb & nadir) is a power tool for characterization of - Surface and atmosphere temperatures - Composition - Dynamics via the thermal wind equation •Increased in size, culminating in 43 kg for CIRS, so develop CIRS-
Several designs of filters for use in vacuum UV imaging systems are discussed. These designs inco... more Several designs of filters for use in vacuum UV imaging systems are discussed. These designs incorporate all reflective optics,and are characterized by comparatively high in-band throughout, very low out-of-band transmission and sub-arcsecond spatial resolution. In addition, they an be tuned over ranges useful for vacuum UV astronomical observations. Results from a simplified laboratory version of the filters intended to prove the concept are presented.
The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several... more The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several design incarnations. Here we will discus the design process in detail and compare the design and performance of the 9.2m segmented, the 8m monolithic on-axis and 8m x 6m off-axis concepts.
We present the latest optical design concepts for the Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM). This miss... more We present the latest optical design concepts for the Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM). This mission will tightly constrain the cosmological parameters describing the accelerating expansion of the universe. The current candidate designs are based on extensive examination of the interplay of requirements for the leading techniques being considered for space borne observation: Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO), Type Ia Supernovae (SN), and gravitational Weak Lensing (WL). All techniques require very large fields of view across the visible/near infrared spectrum; BAO uniquely requires a moderate dispersion wide field spectroscopy capability. Weak lensing requires very good stability and knowledge of the point spread function in order to enable detection of local variations in galaxy ellipticities caused by the intervening dark matter. SN imaging spectroscopy should be done to high photometric signal to noise in order to make best use of these 'standard candles.' We have studied medium class and smaller, "Probe" class implementations enabling from one to three of these techniques. We describe two concepts that were submitted to the 2010 Astrophysics Decadal review as well as current concepts.
ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-E... more ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by NASA's planned Ares V cargo launch vehicle. The ATLAST-8 will yield fundamental astronomical breakthroughs. The mission concept utilizes two enabling technologies: planned Ares-V launch vehicle (scheduled for 2019) and autonomous rendezvous and docking (AR&D). The unprecedented Ares-V payload and mass capacity enables the use of a massive, monolithic, thin-meniscus primary mirror-similar to a VLT or Subaru. Furthermore, it enables simple robust design rules to mitigate cost, schedule and performance risk. AR&D enables on-orbit servicing, extending mission life and enhancing science return.
International Optical Design Conference and Optical Fabrication and Testing, 2010
The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several... more The ATALST (Advanced Technology for Large Aperture Space Telescopes) effort has presented several design incarnations. Here we will compare the design and performance of the 9.2m se gmented, the 8m monolithic on-axis and 8m x 6m off-axis concepts.
ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbi... more ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by a heavily lift launch vehicle. Two development study cycles have resulted in a detailed concept including a dual foci optical design; several primary mirror launch support and secondary mirror support structural designs; spacecraft propulsion, power and pointing control design; and thermal design. ATLAST-8m is designed to yield never before achieved performance to obtain fundamental astronomical breakthroughs.
A highly Integrated Design Team (IDT) within a flight project evolves in its function and has the... more A highly Integrated Design Team (IDT) within a flight project evolves in its function and has the potential to provide many benefits through the project lifecycle. The benefits include superior systems-oriented design products, as well as overall improved project efficiency and higher-performing interpersonal relationships within the project. If physically integrated, this can manifest as an Integrated Design Center (IDC) centrally located within a project’s physical office space. Here we discuss the process to establish and maintain a tightly integrated design team for highly streamlined engineering service to the project, including a cost/benefits analysis discussion.
ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-E... more ATLAST-8 is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory to be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by NASA's planned Ares V cargo launch vehicle. The ATLAST-8 will yield fundamental astronomical breakthroughs. The mission concept utilizes two enabling technologies: planned Ares-V launch vehicle (scheduled for 2019) and autonomous rendezvous and docking (AR&D). The unprecedented Ares-V payload and mass capacity enables the use of a massive, monolithic, thin-meniscus primary mirror-similar to a VLT or Subaru. Furthermore, it enables simple robust design rules to mitigate cost, schedule and performance risk. AR&D enables on-orbit servicing, extending mission life and enhancing science return.
ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbi... more ATLAST-8m is an 8-meter monolithic UV/optical/NIR space observatory which could be placed in orbit at Sun-Earth L2 by a heavily lift launch vehicle. Two development study cycles have resulted in a detailed concept including a dual foci optical design; several primary mirror launch support and secondary mirror support structural designs; spacecraft propulsion, power and pointing control design; and thermal design. ATLAST-8m is designed to yield never before achieved performance to obtain fundamental astronomical breakthroughs.
Remote sensing of planetary atmospheres and surfaces via spectrometers such as Cassini CIRS is a ... more Remote sensing of planetary atmospheres and surfaces via spectrometers such as Cassini CIRS is a powerful tool for inferring temperatures, composition, and dynamics. We are developing a lightweight successor to CIRS - CIRS-lite.
The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) is an instrument currently under development at NASA G... more The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) is an instrument currently under development at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for the Cassini mission to Saturn. The CIRS optical design heritage extends back to the Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) which flew on Voyager. CIRS is the next logical step in the exploration of the atmosphere of Saturn and Titan. It will obtain more complete sets of data with broader spectral coverage, higher spectral and spatial resolution, and greater sensitivity. The CIRS optical design consists of four subassemblies: (1) a 50.8 cm diameter Cassegrain telescope, (2) a Mid-Infrared (MIR) Michelson interferometer, (3) a Far-Infrared (FIR) polarizing interferometer, and (4) a Reference interferometer (RI).
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Papers by Bert Pasquale