Abstract

NASA is currently in the early stages of identifying the technology needed for the Large Deployable Reflector, LDR. The LDR concept was recommended by the Astronomy Survey Committee of the National Academy of Sciences. Studies and surveys to define its technology have been underway since 1976. A workshop of scientists and engineers was held in June 1982 to determine the science rationale and to develop a technology roadmap for meeting these requirements. This paper overviews those science requirements, presents a systems concept which meets them, and describes the necessary supportive technological development effort. Major technical drivers are the primary mirror optics, the alignment control system, coherent receivers and direct detector arrays, and long-life cryogenic coolers.