Search

One of the most profound and philosophically captivating foci of modern astronomy is the study of Earth-like exoplanets in the search for life in the Universe. The paradigm-shifting investigation described here calls for a new type of scalable space telescope that redefines the available light-collecting area in space. The Nautilus Space Observatory, enabled by multiple-order diffractive optics (the MODE lens), is ushering in the advent of large space telescope lenses designed to search for biosignatures on a thousand exo-earths. The Kinematically Engaged Yoke System (KEYS) was developed to align a segmented version of the MODE lens. A technology demonstration prototype of KEYS was built and tested using scanning white light interferometry and deflectometry. A deflectometry system was also developed to monitor the closed-loop alignment of the segmented MODE lens during its UV (i.e., Ultraviolet) curing.

An assessment of the 2003 White Paper on higher education in England and Wales is presented, which offers analysis and strategic conclusions that apply to all advanced countries. Issues like political leadership, contrasting futures and lessons for policy design, are discussed.