Space Shuttle Overhead Windows, Optical Tests

Abstract

Visual photographic, and interferometric tests were performed on the space shuttle overhead windows to characterize the optical quality of these windows. An Air Force tri-bar target was viewed with an 8-in. telescope and a 5- in. telescope for the photographic and visual tests. A Zygo Mark IV interferometer was used for the interferometric tests. Results showed that the windows significantly degraded the performance of both telescopes. At least a 160% degradation in resolution was seen. The results of an independent test conducted by the Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory are reviewed and found to corroborate the Aerospace results.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA244064

Entities

People

  • Karen P. Scott

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Biomedical Research
  • Calibration
  • Cameras
  • Degradation
  • Diffraction
  • Images
  • Interferometers
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Optical Materials
  • Optics
  • Photographs
  • Space Shuttles
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Standards
  • Telescopes

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Space