Space Starlight Blanking Device Using Segmented Screen and Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stellar blanking devices for observing planets close to stars are complex, costly, and difficult to construct due to the high precision required in creating Fresnel lenses, which limits their deployment and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A simpler and cost-effective stellar blanking device that includes a flexible or articulated screen with propulsion control to position itself between a telescope and a star, partially blocking the star's light radiation during observation, allowing for adjustable blanking and positioning with low precision requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Fresnel lens is used for stellar blanking, then the device can achieve light blocking capability, but the manufacturing precision requirements become extremely high and construction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the blanking function into two independent components: a simple opaque screen and a positioning system. The screen itself has no precision requirements, while the positioning system (propulsion means) handles the precision requirement of placing the screen on the line of sight. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the light blocking function from the precision positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces propulsion means as an intermediary between the simple screen and the line of sight. Instead of making the screen itself precise, the propulsion means acts as a mediator to position the screen correctly in space. This intermediary handles the precision requirement, allowing the screen to remain simple and easy to manufacture.
2Reliability
If a Fresnel lens with precise opaque and transparent zones is constructed, then stellar blanking performance is achieved, but the construction cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into a low-cost screen and a positioning subsystem. The screen can be manufactured cheaply as a simple opaque structure, while the costly precision requirements are transferred to the propulsion and control system, which uses standard spacecraft positioning technologies. This dramatically reduces overall construction cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen itself can be a simple, inexpensive structure that does not require long-term durability or high precision. Since the precision is provided by the positioning system, the screen can be made from cheap materials and simple construction methods, reducing manufacturing costs significantly.
3Productivity
If a conventional space telescope is used for planet observation, then observation capability is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light blocking function from the telescope system and places it in a separate, independent blanking device. This allows the telescope to remain relatively simple while the blanking device handles the complex positioning and star blocking functions. The telescope and blanking device operate independently, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation system is segmented into independent components: the telescope for light collection and the separate blanking device for star blocking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the complexity that would arise from integrating all functions into a single complex telescope structure.
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
Enables efficient and affordable observation of planets by effectively blocking starlight with minimal complexity and cost, facilitating the detection of planets around stars using a high-performance space telescope like the NGST, while maintaining low resource consumption and minimal impact on the telescope's operations.
Implementation Method 1
move or stop the device in space and/or on a pseudo-orbit in space around an observation telescope
Implementation Method 2
the light radiation from the star is at least partially blanked from the observation aperture
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-contained device (4) for blanking out the light rays from at least one star (1), which device (4) comprises means (43) for controlling propulsion means (44) which are in turn capable of moving or halting the device (4) in space and/or on a pseudo-orbit in space around an observation telescope (2) comprising an observation opening (21), characterized in that it comprises a blanking-out screen (40), wherein the means (43) for controlling the propulsion means (44) are further capable of positioning the screen (40) on the sighting axis (3) between the telescope (2) and the star (1) during an observation period such that the light rays from the star (1) are at least partially blanked out during said observation period as far as said observation opening (21) is concerned. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising at least one such device and a method for using said device or said assembly.