NASA is investigating a metal alloy that exhibits negative thermal expansion, shrinking when heated, for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. Space telescopes face challenges due to metal expansion when heated, which affects mirror shapes and observation accuracy. The HBO must be 1,000 times more stable than the James Webb Space Telescope to achieve a necessary contrast ratio of one to one billion, as exoplanet observations are hindered by starlight intensity. NASA has previously used compensated materials in other telescopes and continues to research advanced materials for future missions.
NASA is exploring a metal alloy that shrinks when heated for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HBO) project, addressing the issue of thermal expansion in space telescopes.
The HBO will need to be 1,000 times more stable than the James Webb telescope, requiring resilient materials to achieve a contrast ratio of one to one billion.
#nasa #habitable-worlds-observatory #thermal-expansion #negative-thermal-expansion #space-telescopes
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