On the Use of Electrostrictive Actuators in Recovering the Optical Performance of the Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes the development of a space qualified active mirror—the Articulating Fold Mirror—which forms part of the scheme for recovering the optical performance of the Hubble Space Telescope. Three Articulating Fold Mirrors are incorporated into the optical train of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Wide Field and Planetary Camera-2, which was installed into Hubble by astronauts in December, 1993. Each Articulating Fold Mirror utilizes six electrostrictive ceramic multilayer actuators to precisely position a mirror in tip and tilt in order to correct the spherical aberration of the Hubble Space Telescope's primary mirror. Flight qualification aspects of the electrostrictive actuators are described. Pre- and postrepair images from the Wide Field and Planetary Camera, showing the effect of the optical correction, are presented.