A Novel Space Telescope

While developing the idea for a solar relay for the Mercury explorer, I recognized the multipurpose nature of the solid propellant blocks container. It could be used as a space telescope once all the booster blocks are consumed. The design of the deep space propulsion 2 can be enhanced to be used as a LEO space telescope. Complementing Hubble telescope.

This idea requires the first stage of the rocket to function as a Kármán line lifter only. As a result, the second stage of the rocket doesn’t need to be very aerodynamic. The second stage of the rocket would be the modified version of the deep space propulsion 2. It would have a large solid propellent blocks container on top and a single solid booster shell with a gimbled nozzle at the bottom. Once the rocket reaches the vacuum and the first stage separates, the second stage’s first solid booster block would be fired. As the boosters are consumed, new ones will be loaded from the container tank. This would generate stepped thrusts however it would reduce the need for large and complex liquid propulsion rocket. When all the solid blocks are consumed, the rocket stage should be very close to its orbiting speed and altitude. Then the solid booster shell with its attached nozzle will be released on to Earth with a trajectory towards the Nemo point. The space telescope will then activate a small gas propulsion engine for detailed maneuvering. The front lens of the telescope will extend through the void created by the booster blocks. Finally, the solar panels and antennas will also be extended to complete the telescope transformation.

The advantage of this idea is the reduction of weight compared to classical space telescopes. Which would reduce the deployment cost of such scientific equipment to LEO.