Orbits for radiatively cooled space telescopes

This paper first outlines the assumed mission requirements for a radiatively cooled space telescope such as EDISON. A summary of relevant characteristics (payload, operating orbit, launcher, lifetime, etc.) for current and proposed cooled telescope missions is then given. This summary includes cryogenic and radiatively cooled missions since in both cases the reduction of heat input to the telescope aperture is a dominant factor in the orbit choice. These missions span the entire range of possibilities from low earth circular, through higher elliptical and circular orbits out to deep space locations such as the Sun-Earth (S-E) libration points and the lunar surface.A full listing of the factors affecting mission selection is then given. The most important points are illustrated by reference to the orbits chosen for ISO, FIRST and SIRTF and those recommended in recent studies of EDISON. Launcher capabilities for direct insertion and the onboard propellant for large velocity changes associated with orbit raising are major constraints in achieving the large payload mass to high orbit which EDISON mission requires. Although it is fairly demanding in launch/boost energy, an orbit about the L2 S-E libration point offers important advantages for a radiatively cooled infrared telescope. Further studies of this orbit and the associated aspects of service module and payload design for the L2 location of EDISON are recommended.