Unmanned Aerial Systems for Variable Star Astronomical Observations

Volume 46 number 2 (2018)

Download this article (pdf)

David H. Hinzel

Engineering Tecknowledgey Applications, LLC, 9315 Argent Court, Fairfax Station, VA 22039; daveeta1@cox.net; www.engtecknow.com

Abstract

Variable star astronomy (and astronomy in general) has two problems: a low altitude problem and a high altitude problem. The low altitude problem concerns ground-based observatories. These observatories are limited by inclement weather, dust, wind, humidity, environmental and light pollution, and often times being in remote locations. Ideal locations are limited to dry and/or high elevation environments (e.g., the Atacama Desert in Chile). Locations such as low elevation, rainy, and polluted environments are undesirable for ground-based observatories. These problems can be resolved by spacecraft operating above the degrading effects of the atmosphere, but come at a very high price (the high altitude problem). Additionally, maintenance is impossible with space-based telescopes (e.g., Kepler with its degraded performance due to the loss of reaction wheel control). One potential solution to the low/high problems may be to utilize an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) carrying a telescope payload. A modest sized UAV could easily carry a telescope system payload high above the ground environment at a fraction of the cost of spacecraft. This could permit essentially round-the-clock operation in virtually any location and in any type of environment. This will become increasingly important to both professional and amateur astronomers who will need quick access to telescopes for follow-up support of new astronomical observatories such as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) which will continuously generate enormous amounts of data.