Here's a neat little report by Northrup Grumman from 4 years ago... it details VERY large telescope proposals capable of being launched in a 10-12 meter Ares V payload fairing. Such telescopes could also be launched on SLS, although perhaps limited to a slightly smaller size. Seeing one of these monsters actually fly would REALLY be a kick!

Enjoy! OL JR

Attached Thumbnails

       

Attached Files

Nasa Study Summary- Future Deployment Systems and Very Large Fairings.txt (2.3 KB, 24 views)

__________________
The X-87B Cruise Basselope-- THE Ultimate Weapon in the arsenal of Homeland Security and only $52 million per round!

Here's a few more...

And here's a link to a movie showing how such a huge 21 meter telescope would unfold once it arrived at its destination (probably a Sun-Earth Libration point (SEL1 or 2... this gives MUCH better viewing than LEO, since you're not circling a huge honkin' planet that takes up half the sky and covers what you're trying to look at 45 minutes out of every 90 minutes...) Just click the link "Attachments: 21 meter Hex Stack Deployment.wmv" It takes a little bit to load, but it's worth it... REALLY neat!

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/in...58994#msg858994

Later! OL JR

Attached Thumbnails

         

__________________
The X-87B Cruise Basselope-- THE Ultimate Weapon in the arsenal of Homeland Security and only $52 million per round!

Last one...

OL JR

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
The X-87B Cruise Basselope-- THE Ultimate Weapon in the arsenal of Homeland Security and only $52 million per round!