Edward Balaban
NASA ARC
As the quest for knowledge in space-based UV/optical/IR astronomy intensifies, the need for larger telescopes to study dim celestial objects such as Earth-like exoplanets, ancient stars, and distant galaxies becomes more pressing. These investigations are hindered by the capabilities of current telescopes which struggle to observe these faint targets.
The cost of scaling telescopes with aperture sizes over 10 meters using existing technologies is prohibitively expensive. This poses a significant barrier that could slow, or even halt, advancements in astrophysics unless a scalable and financially viable technique is developed.
The FLUTE project represents a groundbreaking approach in the realm of space observatories. It proposes the creation of large-aperture, unsegmented, liquid primary mirrors in space. The mirrors would be formed utilizing a fluidic shaping process in microgravity, which has proven effective through experiments in neutral buoyancy laboratories, microgravity flights, and within the ISS. This innovative method could achieve surface precision down to sub-nanometer levels.
The ultimate goal for FLUTE is to design a primary mirror with a diameter of 50 meters that could be implemented within the next one to two decades without incurring exorbitant costs.
During the Phase I study, the team made several advancements, including selecting ionic liquids for mirror substances, studying their properties, enhancing their reflectivity, examining different architectures for the mirror frame, and assessing the impact of space-related factors on the fluidic mirror. Additionally, they proposed an initial design for a subscale technology demonstration in low Earth orbit.
In Phase II, the project will further refine the mission concept and technology. The team will delve into various elements, including frame architecture, reflectivity enhancement, liquid mirror dynamics, and the thermal Marangoni effect, among others, while also advancing the concept for a small spacecraft demonstration mission.
2024 Phase I Selection
FAQ Section
What is the FLUTE project?
FLUTE stands for Fluidic Telescope and it is a project that aims to develop large-aperture, unsegmented, liquid primary mirrors for space observatories, leveraging fluidic shaping in microgravity.
Why is there a need for larger telescopes in space?
Larger telescopes are needed in space to observe extremely faint objects such as Earth-like exoplanets, early-generation stars, and distant galaxies to further advance astrophysical research.
Why are current technologies for telescopes over 10 meters in diameter not viable?
Scaling current space telescope technologies to over 10 meters in diameter is not economically viable due to the exponential rise in costs associated with larger apertures.
What achievements were made during the Phase I study of FLUTE?
The Phase I study involved selecting and studying ionic liquids for the mirrors, enhancing their reflectivity, analyzing mirror frame architectures, and preparing a mission concept for a technology demonstration in low Earth orbit.
What will Phase II of the project entail?
Phase II will focus on refining the mission concept, studying liquid mirror dynamics and the thermal Marangoni effect, developing reflectivity enhancements, and maturing the technology for a small spacecraft demonstration mission.
Conclusion
The Fluidic Telescope (FLUTE) project offers a transformative solution for the future of space observatories. By pioneering the use of fluidic, large-aperture mirrors, FLUTE stands to overthrow traditional constraints of cost and scalability that have long limited the abilities of space telescopes. With successful developments in Phase I and ambitious goals for Phase II, FLUTE signifies an upcoming revolution in space-based observation, potentially unlocking untold mysteries of the universe.