Robust Mobil RAVEN Class Telescope with Automatic Alignment and Operation

RAVEN telescopes provide an indispensable component of the overall space situational awareness (SSA) network, complementing larger systems and filling gaps in coverage. Given the need for a rapid response to launches or orbital maneuvers it would be desirable to be able to dispatch RAVEN class telescopes to specific locations and operate them semi-automatically to perform the desired observations. In order to address the needs of the United States Space Force (USSF) for a highly mobile RAVEN class telescope with automatic alignment and operation, Advanced Systems and Technology (AS&T) proposes the SSA Mobile Automatic RAVEN Telescope (SMART) system which combines a ruggedized RAVEN class telescope assembly with advanced north finding technology, and automatic mirror alignment. This allows for precise, consistent and repeatable operation which is not dependent on the skill of the operators. With advances in north finding systems employing tactical grade MEMS technology and carouseling it is possible to accurately align the polar mount of the telescope to the celestial sphere to within several arc seconds strictly based on a combination of inertial measurement and GPS positioning without the need to view the night sky. In the same fashion, the SMART system will automatically align the collimation of the system without a star test.