An Efficient Method for Image-Based Coarse Alignment of a Segmented Space Telescope

We propose an approach for coarse alignment of a segmented space telescope using science instrument images. The recommended steps go from arbitrarily large post launch rigid body misalignments to within the capture range of coarse phasing where segment piston error is the predominant residual wavefront error. These steps include five data collection and analysis methods comprising of metrology capture, segment capture and identification, segment translation, segment stacking, and fine alignment. Using a proposed architecture for the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) we describe the details of our recommended approach for each telescope alignment step. We then compare this recommended sequence to alternative alignment progressions used in existing segmented testbeds and telescopes in terms of number of data collections required. This model-based demonstration establishes that the recommended coarse and fine alignment sequence performs more efficiently in time and resource cost, handing off to coarse and fine phasing activities further along the telescope commissioning process.