Robotic architectures for the on-orbit assembly of large space telescopes

Space telescopes are our ‘eyes in the sky’ that enable unprecedented \nastronomy missions and also permit Earth \nobservation integral to science and national security. On \naccount of the increased spatial resolution, spectral coverage, \nand signal-to-noise ratio, there is a constant clamour \nfor larger aperture telescopes by the science and surveillance \ncommunities. This paper addresses a 25 m modular \ntelescope operating in the visible wavelengths of the electromagnetic \nspectrum; such a telescope located at geostationary \nEarth orbit would permit 1 m spatial resolution of \na location on Earth. Specifically, it discusses the requirements \nand architectural options for a robotic assembly \nsystem, called Robotic Agent for Space Telescope Assembly \n(RASTA). Aspects of a first-order design and initial \nlaboratory test-bed developments are also presented.