Kinematic Couplings for Assemblage and Deployment of Multi-Mirror Space Reflectors and Analogies from the Classical Optics

Abstract

Fixtures that ensure high accuracy and repeatability of installation of optical elements on an optical bench, were proposed by Kelvin and Maxwell in order to solve problems of experimental physics. These surprisingly simple devices were known as kinematic couplings in English-language literature and have been used for many years in various scientific and applied researches. Based on the idea behind these devices, we consider the possibility of developing mechanical self-setting locks for assembly and automatic deployment of solid multi-mirror reflectors of space telescopes. The results of kinematic analysis and physical simulation of the proposed devices are presented.