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USNO Astrometry Roadmap

USNO Astrometry Roadmap. Ralph Gaume (AD) & Jeff Pier (FS) USNO Scientific Council March 25, 2004. NOFS/AD Astrometry Supports the USNO Mission. USNO Mission (from the USNO Strategic Plan ): Determine the positions and motions of celestial bodies, motions of earth, and precise time.

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USNO Astrometry Roadmap

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  1. USNO Astrometry Roadmap Ralph Gaume (AD) & Jeff Pier (FS) USNO Scientific Council March 25, 2004

  2. NOFS/AD Astrometry Supports the USNO Mission USNO Mission (from the USNO Strategic Plan): • Determine the positions and motions of celestial bodies, motions of earth, and precise time. • AD/NOFS conduct observing programs to define and improve celestial reference frames and determine the positions and motions of celestial bodies and the motions of the earth with respect to celestial reference frames. • Provide astronomical and timing data required by the Department of Defense for navigation, precise positioning, targeting, orientation of space assets, and command, control, and communications. • AD/NOFS provide astronomical data products to satisfy and anticipate existing and future DoD requirements with regard to navigation, precise positioning, targeting, orientation of space assets, and command, control, and communications.

  3. NOFS/AD Astrometry Supports the USNO Mission (continued) USNO Mission (from the USNO Strategic Plan): • Make data available to other government agencies and to the general public. • AD/NOFS data products on celestial reference frames, celestial positioning, and photometry are made available through a variety of means to other US government agencies and to the general astronomical community. • Conduct relevant research to ensure technological superiority in these mission areas, and perform such other functions as may be directed by higher authority • AD/NOFS conduct relevant research programs and devote appropriate effort in Research and Development (R&D) to advance in-house astrometric capabilities, anticipating the astrometric needs and requirements of the DoD and other governmental agencies.

  4. NOFS/AD Astrometry Supports the USNO Vision USNO Vision (from the USNO Strategic Plan): • We will remain recognized throughout the world as the premier developer of precise time, expert in time transfer and Earth orientation, and foremost in the science of astrometry. • Current AD/NOFS observational programs and R&D efforts are positioned to maintain USNO’s preeminence in the science of astrometry. • Our scientists, administrative personnel, and technicians shall continue to lead the way by providing the Fleet, DoD and the world with the best celestial products and timing possible to provide accurate positioning and synchronization. • Although budgetary pressures are significant, AD/NOFS continue to recruit top scientists and technicians capable of providing the DoD and world with the best possible celestial products, now and in the future.

  5. Supervisory Astronomer Head, Astrometry Department GS-1330-14/15 R. Gaume Secretary GS-0318-5/6/7/8 B. Hicks FUND. REF. FRAME DIV. CATALOGING & REQUIREMENTS DIV. ASTRO. SATELLITE DIV. INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT DIV Supervisory Astronomer Supervisory Astronomer Supervisory Astronomer Supervisory Astronomer GS-1330-13/14 GS-1330-13/14 GS-1330-13/14 GS-1330-14 A. Fey S. Urban Bryan Dorland (acting) T. Rafferty (retire 1/05 will not fill) Astronomer Astronomer Astronomer Supervisory, Mechanial Astronomer Contractor-USRA GS-1330-12/13 GS-1330-7/9/11/12 GS-1330-12/13 Engineering Technician GS-1330-12/13 Olling D. Boboltz G. Wycoff B. Mason GS-802-12/13 A. Hajian Contractor-NVI J. Pohlman Petrossian Astronomer Astronomer Astronomer Astronomer GS-1330-7/9/11 GS-1330-12/13 Mechanial Engineering Technician GS-1330-12/13 GS-1330-12/13 D. Hall B. Hartkopf GS-802-12 N. Zacharias G. Hennessy G. Wieder Mechanial Engineering Technician Astronomer Astronomer Astronomer GS-11/12 GS-1330-5 GS-1330-7 GS-1330-12/13 D. Smith Temp. (exp. 5/04)? Temp. (exp.5/04)? B. Dorland D. Marcello T. Tilleman Mechanial Engineering Technician GS-802-11/12 Contractor-USRA Astronomer T. Siemers M. Zacharias GS-1330-11/12 Astronomer Software Deve. Vacant Mechanial Engineering Technician GS-802-11/12 Vacant Astrometry Personnel (AD):

  6. Astrometry Personnel (FS):

  7. Astrometry Requirements

  8. Astrometry degrades with time!

  9. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Wide-field Astrometry of Bright Stars, Current: • NPOI: Current formal single-night errors of 10-20 mas (northern hemisphere). Wide-field Astrometry of Bright Stars, Roadmap: • NPOI: Beam compressors: plan and schedule being developed now, due June 3. CT (constant term) metrology on track for h/w and s/w upgrades later this spring; then shoot for global solution using many-nights data. • URAT: Bright star capability (3-7th) to ~ <10 mas (full sky, from N. & S. hemisphere sites). • Space Astrometry: 3-7th to 150 µas (full sky)

  10. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Wide-field Astrometry of Intermediate Stars, Current: • UCAC: 7-16th, 20 mas (8-15th), 60M stars, UCAC2 coverage to ~ +45° • USNOB: 200 mas, 11-20th, (full sky) Wide-field Astrometry of Intermediate Stars, Roadmap: • UCAC: Observations complete Spring 2004. • URAT: ~ <10 mas (full sky, from N. & S. hemisphere sites). • 1.3m < 10 mas to 17th, selected fields (on axis) • Space Astrometry: sub mas-level astrometry to 16th (full sky)

  11. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Wide-field Astrometry of Faint Stars, Current: • USNOB: 200 mas, 11-20th, (full sky) Wide-field Astrometry of Faint Stars, Roadmap: • URAT: ~ <20 mas to 20th (full sky, from N. & S. hemisphere sites). • 1.3m: Beginning commissioning phase of camera to assess wide-field, initial indications: ~10 mas to 17th, 20 mas to 18.5, 70 mas to 20th on axis (includes multi-band photometry as well as astrometry) • Large A-Ω: LSST/Pan-STARRS/SST • Pan-STARRS: now on fast track for prototype first light in early 2006; Monet doing the astrometric calibration plan • LSST: Design and Development phase 2004-2006; Monet on Science Team • SST: Scheduled first light 2008; no direct USNO involvement (yet) • Payoffs: Very deep (24th) very accurate (20-30 mas per observation --> “a few” mas after 5 years of observing) catalogs including motions.

  12. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Narrow angle Astrometry, Current: • USNO Double Star Speckle program • 10 mas 0 – 13th magnitude (with 26”) • NPOI • 50 µas narrow angle (multiple stars) 0 – 6th magnitude • 61” • 300 µas (optical), 3 mas (IR) Narrow angle Astrometry, Roadmap: • USNO Double Star Speckle program: • Continue operations with 26”, and other telescopes • NPOI • Continue Multiple-Star operations • 61” • Continue IR program, automation program is progressing. • Automate optical observing • SIM Key Science project support: monitoring the photo-centers of QSOs • Speckle • Solar system astrometry of objects too faint for 8-inch program • Test-bed for detector development (FAME CCDs, ND5, ND9, OT-CCDs) • Test-bed for testing h/w and s/w techniques for improving astrometry (scan+stare modes for non-sidereal objects; multi-exposure techniques for bright objects) • Replace with 3.5m?

  13. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Other Astrometry and Photometry, Current: • 8” transit telescope (FASTT) wide field astrometry, 50 mas, 3.5-17.5 mag • Fully automated program • Largely dedicated to supporting two NASA grants for solar system object astrometry • Photometry of GPS satellites and for Differential Chromatic Refraction (DCR) astrometric corrections supporting other programs (40-inch) Other Astrometry and Photometry, Roadmap: • Continue FASTT & 61-inch Solar System programs with NASA support • Optical and engineering improvements to 40-inch • Seek reimbursable support for GPS photometry

  14. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Other Astrometry and Photometry, Roadmap (cont’d): 1.3-m telescope • Summer 2004: commissioning (CCD characterization; optimized optics; evaluate wide-field astrometric performance; software pipeline implementation) • Late 2004: evaluate projects: • Scan/Stare mode for GEO satellites • Observing faint debris at GEO • ICRF reference frame targets • 2005: Begin observing all (northern) sky Photometric calibration regions

  15. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Infrared Astrometry and Photometry, Current: • Astrocam: 10242 InSb chip • Scheduled 12-15 nights per month • Automation - IR observing is the test bed for FS telescope automation. Can run autonomously all night once started (if the weather is good) • Parallax and proper motion solutions are demonstrating excellent capabilities (mean parallax error of ~3 mas over 2.5 years) • Infrared studies of GPS and geo-synch satellites on orbit • JHK photometry of various objects

  16. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) Infrared Astrometry and Photometry Roadmap: • ORION detector development • 20482 format, 25 µm pixels, 0.9->3.5 µm bandpass, 2-side buttable • 2x2 Mosaic is 16 times larger than single ALADDIN chip • Partnership with NOAO and NASA-Ames, development by Raytheon Vision Systems • USNO has contributed $600K, NOAO $700K plus engineering (device characterization), NASA-Ames $600K • Next Generation IR camera • Mosaic of 4 ORION chips • FOV sufficient to seriously consider survey programs; establish IR photometric standards around the northern sky • Initial concept design study report due at end of this month • IR Camera for Discovery telescope 4m, or 3.5m replacement for 61”? (see backup charts)

  17. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects (Observations) International Celestial Reference Frame, Current: • Fundamental Astronomical Reference Frame is defined through radio interferometric (VLBI) observations of quasars (sub mas accuracy) • USNO & Paris Obs. co-directors of IERS Product Center for the ICRS. • USNO lead for: • Investigations of Future realizations • Monitoring Source structure to assess astrometric quality • Maintenance of the link to the Hipparcos catalog • Maintenance and extension of the ICRF • Determination of EO parameters from VLBI • Radio star Astrometry • High Frequency Radio Reference Frame • SIM Key Science Project: Astrophysics of Reference Frame Tie Objects International Celestial Reference Frame, Roadmap: • Continue efforts and evolutionary improvements while Fundamental Astronomical Reference Frame is defined in Radio. • Maintain current reimbursables (NASA).

  18. USNO Astrometry Programs and Projects Measuring Machines, Current: • PMM • Scanning Complete! • USNO-B integrated with NOMAD • StarScan • AGK2 (mostly) complete, 70mas positions, AGK2/UCAC PM ~1mas/yr Measuring Machines, Roadmap: • StarScan • (Final project) Measure Black Birch (BB) and Hamburg (ZA) plates around ICRF sources (18 months)

  19. USNO Astrometry Research & Development Detector development • USNO has led imaging detector development, especially with regard to the application of new detectors to astrometry. • New detectors are under development • Radiation hardened/compensated CCDs (Space Astrometry) • Orthogonal Transfer CCDs (emerging technology, as yet untested for astrometry) • High-resistivity/deep-depletion CCDs • Hybrid detectors (optical + IR) • Electron multiplying CCDs (for low-light levels, faint objects) • Some of these devices may be promising for general astrometry as well as other military applications (stealth satellite detection) • We obviously don’t have the resources to investigate all of these, but should evaluate and choose the most promising Fourier Transform Spectrometer • Presentation to Scientific Council May 2003 • Provides Velocity dimension to Astrometry • Numerous non-astronomy/astrometry applications • Initially funded by SIM prep science grant • Currently funded by • NRO DII grant • NASA Ames grant • Program Status Review March 29 • FTS currently being commissioned on 25” telescope in Brookline MA • Roadmap  • Commission on larger telescopes • Pursue continued funding opportunities • Transition FTS applications

  20. USNO Astrometry Research & Development Astrometric Algorithm Research and Development • Scanning missions (e.g., FAME, AMEX) • Continued development of Pipeline and Simulator • Pointed Missions • SIM—Support for guide star solution in collaboration w/ JPL • SIM—Support for grid star astrometry in collaboration w/JPL • TPF—Support the development of and refinements to the TPF target list • Other Missions • HST astrometry (funded by NASA) • Two current GO programs • Two cycle 13 proposals: one GO program & one AR program

  21. USNO Astrometry Data Distribution Data Distribution, Current: • Various catalogs distributed on CD/WWW/workstation, e.g. • USNOB • Tycho-2 • UCAC2 • WDS, Orbit catalog, on-demand catalogs, etc. Data Distribution, Roadmap: • Naval Observatory Merged Astrometric Database (NOMAD). • Official USNO catalog available to DoD and others • Common Coordinate system for all DoD catalogs • New data must be incorporated into NOMAD before being released separately to the public • NOMAD announced at Space Control Conference April 2004, AMOS Sept 2004, AAS meeting Jan 2005 • National Virtual Observatory (NVO). USNO products should be compatible with NVO standards

  22. Astrometry Personnel Issues • AD staffing: Have reduced from 31 to 23 personnel in last 3 yrs (-11, +3). Anticipating 5 more losses in next 12 months (Rafferty, Pohlman, Petrossian, Tilleman, Marcello). • 1 new hire in Inst. Shop (John Bowles replacement) • Need Software/Hardware Astronomer to backfill Rafferty to provide continued AD instrument support, and support hardware and software development of URAT • Need to replace Pohlman • Dave Smith is eligible for retirement; Need to replace upon retirement. • FS Staffing: Have gone from 30 full-time personnel to 20 in the last 3 years (-11, +1) • Nine of these net personnel losses were scientists, engineers, or technicians • NPOI has been particularly hard hit, the workload and schedule are daunting, hired GS 12 in February. • These losses directly impact the ability to perform our mission on schedule • Efforts underway to mitigate: • Hire more scientists/engineers and/or re-assign to support NPOI • Hire GS-7 observer to free up the GS-13/14/15 scientists who are currently performing routine observing; thus freeing up a FTE scientist to work on mission-related work • Automate, automate, automate

  23. Astrometry Issues • Astrometry Staffing: Cannot afford to lose additional personnel. • Civilian requirements officer • 60% selling programs/capabilities, 40% generating requirements • Funding for new programs: • URAT • 3.5m replacement for 61” or 4m Discovery Channel Telescope

  24. USNO Astrometry Roadmap Ralph Gaume (AD) & Jeff Pier (FS) USNO Scientific Council March 25, 2004

  25. BACKUP SLIDES

  26. FS Future Projects: 4-M Class Telescope • Optimized for 3-5 µm observations • Where thermal begins to dominate over reflection • Daylight observations feasible, enable 24/7 star trackers, satellite tracking and space surveillance • Two possible paths: • Collaborate with Lowell in the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) • Full Partner (~50% of telescope time) would require at least $20M • Build instrument only (IR Camera) would get us about 10% of telescope time and less say in telescope design (concern is IR optimization) • Modify 61-inch: • Use existing dome, pier, and polar axis • Remove telescope and replace it with IR-optimized 3.5-M telescope

  27. Discovery Channel Telescope

  28. Discovery Channel Telescope

  29. Discovery Channel Telescope

  30. Current 61” Telescope

  31. Converted to 3.5 m IR Telescope

  32. Replacing 61”: Relevant Resources • Dome: shutter opens to 3.7 m • Pier: provides ~ +10 m ground relief • Polar axis: basis of equatorial mount • General observatory infrastructure/support

  33. 3.5 m Telescope Parameters • 3.5 m f/2 primary • f/8.1 at RC • 7.5’ x 7.5’ FOV on Orion chip • 0.2” pixel (Orion) • 860 mm diameter secondary • Optical image quality: 0.12” at 7.5’ • Similar weight and length as 61” • Detailed cost estimates in-work

  34. 3.5m Advantages • On current site • 100% USNO time • IR optimized • Equatorial mount • Low operation cost (similar to 61”) • Preliminary cost estimate: telescope and IR camera less than partnering on 4 m class telescope

  35. URAT - Program • 14-20th mag; 10 mas (15-18th) • Factor of 10 better than today • Space surveillance, SST, Pan-STARRS, LSST, etc. • Positions for faint IR sources • 3-7th mag option • Navigation and targeting • 1 Hemisphere/year • Under complete USNO control • Re-capitalize on UCAC work • Minimal software development • Experienced staff in place

  36. URAT - Hardware • USNO Robotic Astrometric Telescope • 0.9m, f/4; optimized for astrometry • 3 sq. deg. FOV • Large, single wafer detector • Robotic operation • Movable, all-sky catalogs • Costs well under $5 million

  37. Astrometric “Coverage” of some USNO wide angle Astrometry Programs

  38. Astrometric “Coverage” of some USNO narrow angle Astrometry Programs

  39. FS Future Projects • Telescope automation • 8-inch was fully automated years go • 40-inch requires optical and mechanical upgrades to be reliable enough for fully automated observing • 61-inch IR program automation is well along (observer starts up, then telescope runs itself all night) • Weather and safety concerns still being addressed • Initial goal: all 4 telescopes started up and monitored by one observing technician - by end of CY04 • Ultimate goal: completely autonomous operation - end of CY05 • Next Generation IR camera • Mosaic of 4 ORION chips • FOV sufficient to seriously consider survey programs; establish IR photometric standards around the northern sky • Initial concept design study report due at end of this month

  40. Future Projects (motherhood) “Some might argue that the Observatory should focus exclusively on supporting research now that we are equipped with a broad range of instruments …. This is tantamount to hanging ‘No Vacancy’ signs on the backs of the telescope and foregoing development of new instruments, at least for the near future. “The problem with this approach is that astronomy is fundamentally a technology-driven enterprise. The optical systems, electronics, detectors, and software that comprise modern astronomical instrumentation enable and limit our capacity for discovery in a universe that remains substantially unknown to us. Combined with the time needed to develop new instrumentation (in many cases the better part of a decade), it becomes clear that the vitality of an observatory … depends fundamentally on an ongoing instrument development program.” (Gemini Newsletter #28, December 2003, page 2)

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