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I think the problem with such projects is not only they’re incredibly complex, but also they are NOT modular and not organized as a bootstrap. If any part of th
by sinuhe69 5y ago
I think the problem with such projects is not only they’re incredibly complex, but also they are NOT modular and not organized as a bootstrap. If any part of the launching or deploying process goes wrong, the whole endeavor could ultimately fail.
On the other hand, if we somehow could make the telescope from many equal parts, transport them into orbit, assemble and test it part by part, organized in stages with each stages the telescope will become more powerful then I believe the chance of success will be much higher. Of course with our current technology and industry base, assembly in orbit might cost significantly more. But in the long run, I don’t think we’ll have any better alternative. The most import aspect is however, if due to any error a transport ship exploded or a robotic arm jammed, the entire project will not in jeopardy.
- onion2k 5y agoAssembly in orbit would probably be impossible. The telescope has tolerances measures in microns. You just can't do that as a modular system.
- Ekaros 5y agoI would actually even want to see something like that done on Earth even with remote control. That is bring multiple pieces with trucks to single location and then combine them together without non-remote human involvement. And have the whole thing work as expected inside specs.