Active control of a shape and pointing control system for a large segmented space reflector telescope

Because of the weight and the volume constraints of space-borne astronomical instruments, segmented reflectors have become the only practical choice for future astrophysical missions. While a monolithic reflector depends on the mechanical properties of its material to provide the dimensional stability required for good optical performance, a segmented reflector requires an active segment-alignment control system. The Structures Pointing and Controls Engineering (SPACE) Laboratory at California State University, Los Angeles, has designed and developed a test-bed intended to be an experiment tool to develop and validate methods and algorithms for active control of segmented optical systems and large flexible structures.; The algorithm developed for linear systems is first verified in the shape control of the segmented telescope model. For real segmented telescope test-beds, a state space model is first developed through frequency domain system identification. The decentralized control techniques were successfully implemented with an electronic and multiprocessor DSP. The results lead to the design of an effective control scheme to accomplish the fine pointing and vibration suppression goals. These results are intended to compliment more sophisticated control methodology developed at the SPACE laboratory.