We have been developing a rotating mechanism and a linear motion mechanism for their usage in contamination sensitive space telescopes. They both are needed for ~1.4 meter optical telescope and its focal plane instrument onboard SOLAR-C, the next-generation spaceborne solar observatory following Hinode. Highly reliable long life performance, low outgassing properties, and low level of micro-vibration are required along with their scientific performance. With the proto-type mechanisms, the long life performance and outgassing properties of the mechanisms have been evaluated in vacuum chambers. The level of micro-vibration excited during the operations of the rotating mechanism was measured by operating it on the Kestler table. This paper provides the overall descriptions of our mechanism developments.

Date Published: 18 July 2014
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 9151, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation, 915138 (18 July 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2055664

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9151:
Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation
Ramón Navarro; Colin R. Cunningham; Allison A. Barto, Editor(s)