Synthetic Imaging Maneuver Optimization — SIMO

Space-based interferometry missions have the potential to revolutionize imaging and astrometry, providing observations of unprecedented accuracy. Realizing the full potential of these interferometers poses several significant technological challenges. These include the efficient maneuvering of multiple collectors to various baselines to make the requisite observations; regulating the path-length of science light from the collecting telescopes to the combining instrument with nanometer accuracy, despite the presence of vibration induced by internal and external disturbance sources; and demonstrating through hardware-in-the-loop simulation that the numerous spacecraft (SC) subsystems can be coordinated to perform such challenging observations in a precise, efficient, and robust manner.