Main Structure of the Survey Camera for CSST: A Paradigm for Structural Design of Large-Scale Complex Space Optical Instruments
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: As the core observation instrument of the China Space Station Telescope (CSST), the Survey Camera (SC) features large volume, heavy weight and high complexity, which poses considerable challenges to the development of its Main Structure (MST). Focusing on the design, optimization and verification of the MST, this study aims to meet the technical requirements of lightweight, high stiffness, high strength and mechanical stability, and provide high-precision Measurement References (MRs) for components such as the Focal Plane Array (FPA). The MST is an M55J carbon fiber/cyanate ester resin composite framework and incorporates titanium alloy inserts for thread machining. The thickness of carbon fiber plies was optimized using size optimization techniques to maximize structural efficiency. The carbon fiber plies and embedded parts along the structural force transmission path were strengthened to improve structural strength. A spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR)–cube mirror composite MR system was employed, along with a contact–non-contact integrated measurement scheme, achieving a position and angle measurement uncertainty of 5.26 μm/5.53″ (3σ). Through experimental verification, the final mass of the MST was controlled at 66.8 kg, and the fundamental frequency reached 120.6 Hz. After assessment via vibration tests and thermovacuum tests, the strength, mechanical stability, and thermal stability of the structure all met the mission requirements.
Source: Aerospace
Authors: Renkui Jiang, Ang Zhang, Zhaoyang Li, Enhai Liu, Libin Wang, Sixian Le, Yongchao Zhang, Haini Zhang, Hongyu Wang, Shaohua Guan, Qian Luo, Yufeng Mao, Weiqi Xu, Panke Chen, Haibing Su, Yanqing Zhang, Junfeng Du, Junming Shao, Mingzhu Huang, Wei Liang
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4416509281