The Space Station Millimeter Facility.
Abstract
A large millimeter wavelength interferometer array is proposed for construction on the planned Space Station (The Space Station Millimeter Facility--SSMF). It will have manifold applications in both basic and applied research and will be the premier instrument in the world at high radio frequencies. Earth resource mapping, middle atmospheric studies, and high frequency radio astronomy are only a few of the areas which will be significantly advanced by the availability of such an instrument. Particularly in astronomy, the ability to do observations above the disturbing and absorbing effects of the Earth's atmosphere will allow opportunities for exploration of all objects from the Sun, through the Solar System bodies, to the interstellar medium of the Milky Way and other galaxies, and out to the most distant quasars with resolution and sensitivity equalling or exceeding all existing or planned millimeter wavelength telescopes. One of the last unexplored regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, the mm-IR gap, can finally be closed. A flexible design for the SSMF is proposed, and estimate of its construction costs is made, and numerous scientific applications in a number of disciplines are discussed. Keywords include: Interferometry; Array; Imaging; Astronomy; Space; and Millimeters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168983
Entities
People
- B. K. Dennison
- J. H. Spencer
- K. J. Johnston
- K. W. Weiler
- R. M. Bevilacqua
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory