Deployable Starshade Petal Structure for Direct Exoplanet Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proximity of exoplanets to bright stars poses challenges for direct imaging, as the bright stars saturate image sensors and prevent quality imaging of the exoplanets.
Innovation Solution
A space-based telescope-starshade observing system is employed, where a starshade partially blocks the light of a star while allowing direct imaging of exoplanets, using a robust design with a circular base and pivotably coupled opaque petals that can be stowed in a rocket payload and deployed in space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a starshade is deployed to block starlight for direct imaging of exoplanets, then imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The starshade is divided into multiple modular petals that can be independently folded and stowed during launch, then deployed in space to form the complete circular blocking structure. This segmentation allows the large starshade to fit within rocket payload constraints while maintaining its functional integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The starshade petals are designed to nest within each other during stowed configuration, similar to nested dolls, allowing the entire starshade structure to be compacted into a small volume suitable for rocket payload accommodation while being deployable to its full operational size in space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the starshade structure is made large enough to effectively block starlight, then starlight blocking performance is improved, but the volume required for launch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large starshade is segmented into multiple petals that can be folded and stowed in a compact configuration during launch, reducing the required launch volume while maintaining the capability to form the full large-scale blocking structure when deployed in space.
Solution Approach 2:
The starshade transitions from a two-dimensional flat blocking surface to a three-dimensional folded/stowed configuration during launch, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to compact the structure. Upon deployment, it returns to its planar form to achieve optimal starlight blocking performance.
3Ease of operation
If the starshade is designed with a robust deployable structure, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The starshade employs dynamic deployment mechanisms that allow the structure to transition from a compact stowed configuration to an expanded operational configuration. The petals are designed with hinges and actuators that enable controlled deployment, making the operation easier while the structural complexity is managed through standardized mechanical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively blocks starlight, reducing saturation and enabling high-quality imaging of exoplanets by using a starshade that can be efficiently packaged and deployed in space.
Implementation Method 1
a starshade for a space-based telescope observing system... a starshade partially blocks the light of a star
Implementation Method 2
positioning the telescope to be in the shadow of the starshade without blocking direct imaging of an exoplanet near the star
Data Source
AI summary
A starshade is provided that includes a circular base and opaque petals pivotably coupled to a perimeter of the circular base. The opaque petals are configured to pivot radially outward from a center axis of the circular base, wherein each of the opaque petals overlaps at least a portion of an adjacent opaque petal, and wherein each of the opaque petals tapers outward through a proximal section of the opaque petal and tapers inward through a distal section of the opaque petal.