Rapidly Deployable and Mobile Lightweight Autonomous Telescopic Array Stellar Interferometer for Remote Observations

To address the Space Force (SF) need for a mobile Raven-class observatory for remote autonomous observations, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Rapidly Deployable and Mobile Lightweight Autonomous Telescopic Array Stellar Interferometer for Remote Observations (LAIR) based on a compact telescopic array stellar interferometer (TASI) that is autonomously operated by a computerized observatory and power control (COPC) system and nested in a protective vibration-suppression mobile trailer. Specifically, the innovation in the TASI system will result in an easily deployable, mobile, self-sustaining Raven-class observatory with resolution surpassing that of 1.2 m telescopes at one-tenth of the size and with 30 times lower power consumption, enabling extended mission durations. The COPC will leverage commercial off-the-shelf components, including Intellisense-developed weather/cloud sensors, to detect observation conditions and autonomously control the fully motorized LAIR system and optics either through scheduled events or direct remote control. As a result, LAIR will meet SF requirements for a rapidly deployable, mobile, self-sustaining Raven-class observatory consisting of cost-effective commercially available materials that is easily relocated to remote locations over dirt roads to perform autonomous observations without a human present for extended mission durations. In Phase I, Intellisense will develop and demonstrate the feasibility of the LAIR observatory design by performing finite element analysis to demonstrate LAIR’s ability to survive transport over various terrains (asphalt, gravel, and dirt roads), its self-alignment based on its location, and its ability to perform autonomous and remote observations. In Phase II, Intellisense plans to construct a prototype of the Phase I LAIR design, perform mechanical tests, demonstrate the system’s autonomy, and validate the optical system after vibration/shock testing, including its measurement accuracy.