Large Deployable Reflector

Abstract

The Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) will be a 20 meter diameter, orbiting, reflecting telescope used to observe astronomical sources at wavelengths between 50 and 1000 urn. It must operate in space because the Earth's atmosphere is largely opaque in this spectral region. Because of its tremendous scientific potential, LDR was recommended by the Astronomy Survey Committee of the National Academy of Sciences as one of four major, national programs for the 1980's. It now appears that LDR will not be launched until near the turn of the century.