NSSDCA ID: SOT-1
The main objective of the Space Optical Telescope (SOT) is to achieve the high spatial resolution required for the determination of density, temperature, magnetic field, and non-thermal velocity field in solar features on the scale at which many basic physical processes occur. Such processes include changes in magnetic field strength, waves, single pulses, and systematic mass flows. To understand the flow of energy and mass on a global scale over the surface of the sun, it is necessary to investigate structures only slightly larger than the photon mean free path. SOT consists of two major parts: the telescope facility, which remains essentially unchanged from mission to mission; and the scientific instruments (SIs) which, depending upon the objectives, may vary from mission to mission. The telescope uses an on-axis Gregorian configuration with primary mirror 1.3 m in diameter. The paraboloidal primary mirror focuses light through a hole in a heat-rejection mirror allowing only 3 arc-min of the sun's 32-arc-min disk to be seen by the secondary mirror. The ellipsoidal secondary mirror reflects the image onto a flat tertiary mirror that directs the light beam off axis. Focal plane instruments, such as those selected for the SOT-1 mission, are positioned at the final or Gregorian focus. The telescope facility has an effective focal length of 31.25 m and a 151-micrometer arc-s plate scale. The SOT Observatory remains Shuttle-attached throughout the mission. It utilizes the Spacelab-provided instrument pointing system during on-orbit operations, and is mounted via launch locks directly to the Shuttle cargo bay during launch and landing. Mission operations are conducted by dual interactive control, either from the payload specialist station in the Shuttle aft flight deck or from ground-based stations in the payload operations control center.
Launch Date: 1991-03-01
Launch Vehicle: Shuttle
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 3635 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Stuart D. Jordan | Project Scientist | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | stuart.d.jordan@nasa.gov |
Dr. Edmond M. Reeves | Program Manager | NASA Headquarters | |
Mr. George D. Hogan | Project Manager | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | |
Dr. Eric G. Chipman | Program Scientist | NASA Headquarters |