Hex Array Space Telescope (MHAST)
White Paper and Proposal: McGary Hex Array Space Telescope (MHAST)
Author: Dr. John L. McGary
Institution: Ludlow Research Institute
Date: May 2025
Abstract
The McGary Hex Array Space Telescope (MHAST) proposes a revolutionary approach to space-based astronomy by deploying seven independent, hexagon-shaped satellites that autonomously assemble in orbit to form a single, large-aperture telescope with a light-collecting area equivalent to seven Hubble Space Telescopes. Each satellite, equipped with a 2.4-meter primary mirror, operates in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectra, enabling unprecedented resolution and sensitivity for studying exoplanets, early galaxies, dark energy, and cosmic evolution. This modular design reduces launch costs, mitigates risks associated with single large payloads, and allows for future upgrades. This white paper presents the scientific motivation, technical architecture, mission feasibility, and a funding strategy to overcome current financial constraints, positioning MHAST as a transformative observatory for the next decade.
1. Introduction
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), launched in 1990, revolutionized astronomy with its 2.4-meter primary mirror, delivering groundbreaking observations of distant galaxies, exoplanets, and dark energy. However, its fixed aperture limits its light-collecting power compared to modern observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), with its 6.5-meter segmented mirror. The proposed McGary Hex Array Space Telescope (MHAST) addresses this limitation by combining seven hexagonal satellites, each with a 2.4-meter mirror, to form a single telescope with a total effective aperture exceeding 6 meters, rivaling or surpassing JWST’s capabilities while maintaining modularity and cost efficiency.
Drawing inspiration from segmented mirror designs (e.g., JWST, Keck Observatory) and proposed telescope arrays like the Nautilus Deep Space Observatory (NDSO), MHAST leverages autonomous assembly and advanced optics to achieve high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy. This proposal outlines the scientific potential, technical design, and a pathway to secure funding, building on the Ludlow Research Institute’s expertise in innovative technologies, as demonstrated by Dr. John L. McGary’s CoMHA project.
2. Scientific Motivation
The MHAST addresses critical questions in astrophysics, including:
Exoplanet Characterization: High-resolution spectroscopy to detect biosignatures in the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets up to 1,000 light-years away, building on JWST’s capabilities and NDSO’s proposed goals.
Early Universe Studies: Imaging and spectroscopy of galaxies from the Cosmic Dawn (z > 10), probing the formation of the first stars and galaxies.
Dark Energy and Cosmology: Wide-field surveys to measure the universe’s expansion rate and constrain dark energy models, complementing the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s objectives.
Stellar and Galactic Evolution: Detailed observations of star-forming regions, supernovae, and magnetars, leveraging MHAST’s enhanced light-collecting power.
By combining the equivalent of seven HST mirrors, MHAST achieves a light-collecting area of approximately 31.7 m² (compared to HST’s 4.5 m² and JWST’s 25 m²), enabling deeper observations and finer angular resolution (down to ~0.05 arcseconds at 550 nm). Its modular design also allows for in-orbit upgrades, ensuring longevity beyond HST’s operational life.
3. Conceptual Framework
MHAST is based on three core principles:
Modular Design: Seven independent satellites, each with a 2.4-meter hexagonal primary mirror, are launched separately and assemble in orbit to form a single, large-aperture telescope.
Autonomous Assembly: Precision docking mechanisms and AI-guided alignment ensure the satellites form a cohesive optical system with sub-micron accuracy, inspired by JWST’s segmented mirror alignment.
Scalable Technology: The use of lightweight beryllium mirrors and deployable structures reduces launch mass, while modular instruments allow for future upgrades, drawing on lessons from HST’s servicing missions.
This configuration enables MHAST to achieve a high filling factor (minimal gaps between mirror segments) and six-fold symmetry, optimizing light collection and image quality, as demonstrated by JWST’s hexagonal mirror design.
4. System Architecture
4.1 Satellite Configuration
Number of Satellites: Seven hexagonal satellites, each carrying a 2.4-meter primary mirror (matching HST’s diameter) and a 0.3-meter secondary mirror in a Cassegrain reflector design.
Mirror Material: Beryllium, chosen for its strength, low mass (20 kg per segment), and thermal stability at cryogenic temperatures (~-220°C), as used in JWST.
Total Aperture: When assembled, the seven mirrors form a hexagonal array with an effective diameter of ~6.5 meters, comparable to JWST.
Orbit: L2 Lagrange Point, 1.5 million km from Earth, to minimize thermal interference and ensure a stable observing environment, as with JWST.
4.2 Assembly and Alignment
Docking Mechanism: Each satellite is equipped with electromagnetic or mechanical docking ports, inspired by CubeSat modular designs and the International Space Station’s berthing systems.
Actuators: Six micro-actuators per mirror segment (similar to JWST) enable sub-micron adjustments for alignment, ensuring diffraction-limited performance.
AI Guidance: Onboard AI, coupled with star-tracking sensors, calibrates mirror positions in real time, compensating for orbital perturbations or thermal expansion.
4.3 Instrumentation
Cameras: Wide Field Camera (visible/near-UV) and Near-Infrared Camera (0.6–5 µm), akin to HST’s WFC3 and JWST’s NIRCam.
Spectrographs: Multi-object and integral-field spectrographs for exoplanet and galactic studies, covering 0.6–29 µm, inspired by JWST’s MIRI and NIRSpec.
Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS): Ensure precise pointing, as in HST and JWST, for long-exposure observations.
4.4 Power and Thermal Control
Solar Arrays: Each satellite has deployable solar panels to power instruments and actuators, with batteries for eclipse periods.
Sunshields: Multi-layered sunshields, similar to JWST, maintain cryogenic temperatures for infrared observations.
4.5 Safety and Redundancy
Modular Redundancy: Individual satellite failures do not compromise the mission, as the remaining units can still operate as a smaller array.
Radiation Protection: Multilayered insulation and robust electronics protect against solar and cosmic radiation at L2.
5. Mission Feasibility
5.1 Launch Strategy
Launch Vehicles: Each satellite is launched separately using medium-lift rockets (e.g., SpaceX Falcon 9 or Blue Origin New Glenn) to reduce costs and risks compared to a single heavy-lift launch (e.g., Ariane 5 for JWST).
Mass per Satellite: 1,000 kg, including mirror, instruments, and propulsion, well within Falcon 9’s L2 delivery capacity (4,000 kg).
Assembly Timeline: Satellites are launched over 12–18 months, with autonomous docking completed within 6 months post-launch.
5.2 Cost Estimates
Development: $1.5–2 billion for satellite design, mirror fabrication, and AI systems, leveraging existing beryllium mirror technology from JWST.
Launch: $100–150 million per launch (7 × $100–150M = $700–1,050M).
Operations: $200–300 million for mission control, data processing, and 10-year operations, based on HST and JWST budgets.
Total: $2.4–3.35 billion, competitive with JWST ($8–10B) due to modular design and existing technologies.
5.3 Technical Precedents
JWST: Demonstrates successful deployment and alignment of a 6.5-meter segmented mirror at L2.
NDSO: Proposes a fleet of 35 lightweight telescopes, validating the concept of distributed apertures.
HST: Provides a baseline for 2.4-meter mirror performance and servicing potential.
HEXAGON Spy Satellites: Historical precedent for large, complex space optics, with similarities to HST’s design.
6. Preliminary Technical Considerations
Mirror Fabrication: Beryllium mirrors, fabricated using processes developed for JWST (e.g., Brush Wellman for powder pressing, Axsys Technologies for shaping), ensure lightweight and precise optics.
Alignment Challenges: Achieving sub-micron alignment across seven satellites is complex but feasible with JWST-style actuators and AI-driven calibration, as demonstrated in ground-based segmented telescopes (e.g., Keck).
Orbital Dynamics: Maintaining formation at L2 requires low-thrust propulsion (e.g., ion thrusters) and precise station-keeping, similar to JWST’s halo orbit maintenance.
Data Transmission: High-bandwidth optical communication, inspired by NASA’s Lunar Atmospheric Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), ensures efficient data downlink.
7. Funding Strategy
Given the funding challenges faced by Dr. McGary’s CoMHA project, MHAST must adopt a multi-faceted approach to secure resources:
Government Grants:
NASA: Apply for funding through NASA’s Astrophysics Division, leveraging the high-priority status of large-aperture telescopes (e.g., Roman Space Telescope’s prioritization in 2010).
NSF: Pursue National Science Foundation grants for innovative telescope technologies, such as the Major Research Instrumentation program.
International Partners: Engage ESA and CSA, as with JWST, to share costs and expertise.
Private Investment:
Partner with aerospace companies (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin) with experience in large optics (JWST, HEXAGON).
Seek venture capital from firms investing in space technologies (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin), emphasizing MHAST’s modularity and cost efficiency.
Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaborate with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which donated 2.4-meter mirrors to the Roman Space Telescope, potentially providing surplus optics or technical support.
Explore commercial applications, such as high-resolution imaging for space situational awareness, to attract private funding.
Crowdsourcing and Advocacy:
Launch a public engagement campaign, similar to HST’s outreach, to build support among astronomers and the public, potentially through crowdfunding for early prototypes.
Partner with exoplanet research organizations (e.g., SETI Institute) to align MHAST with high-profile science goals like biosignature detection.
Phased Funding:
Phase 1 ($50–100M): Develop a single prototype satellite and conduct ground-based alignment tests.
Phase 2 ($500–700M): Build and launch three satellites for a partial array to demonstrate assembly and imaging.
Phase 3 ($1.5–2B): Complete the full seven-satellite array and begin science operations.
8. Applications
Exoplanet Science: Direct imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanet atmospheres, detecting biomarkers (e.g., O₂, CH₄) with unprecedented sensitivity.
Cosmology: Mapping large-scale structures to study dark energy and cosmic expansion, complementing Roman’s wide-field surveys.
Galactic Astronomy: High-resolution imaging of star-forming regions, magnetars, and supernovae, building on HST’s discoveries.
Future Upgrades: Modular design allows replacement of instruments or addition of satellites to enhance capabilities (e.g., mid-infrared or X-ray).
9. Regulatory and Safety Considerations
FCC Compliance: Ensure radio frequency emissions for satellite communication comply with international standards.
NASA Oversight: Adhere to NASA’s safety protocols for L2 operations, including collision avoidance and end-of-life disposal.
Environmental Impact: Minimize launch emissions by using reusable rockets (e.g., Falcon 9) and optimize satellite longevity to reduce space debris.
10. Future Work
Prototype Development: Build a single MHAST satellite for ground-based testing of mirror alignment and AI calibration.
In-Orbit Demonstration: Launch a three-satellite array to validate autonomous docking and imaging performance.
International Collaboration: Establish partnerships with ESA, CSA, and academic institutions to share costs and expertise.
Public Engagement: Develop educational programs to promote MHAST’s science goals and build public support.
11. Conclusion
The McGary Hex Array Space Telescope represents a paradigm shift in space observatory design, combining the proven capabilities of HST with the scalability of segmented mirror systems. By leveraging modular satellites, autonomous assembly, and lightweight optics, MHAST offers a cost-effective, high-impact solution for next-generation astrophysics. Despite funding challenges, a strategic approach combining government grants, private investment, and public engagement can bring this vision to fruition, positioning MHAST as a cornerstone of astronomical discovery in the 2030s and beyond.
Acknowledgments
This work is supported by the Ludlow Research Institute and inspired by discussions with the astronomical community. The author acknowledges the Pathfinder Initiative for early-stage support and the legacy of HST and JWST for technical inspiration.
Contact
Dr. John L. McGary
Chief Research Engineer, Ludlow Research Institute.
Email: rev.mcgary@gmail.com
Website: www.ludlowresearchinstitute.org
© 2025 John L. McGary. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
