Approach to build a dedicated space born small aperture UV telescope for the long term study of comets (Comet-UV project)

Abstract

We present the concept of a small-aperture 20 cm wide field UV telescope for a long term detailing study of comets in UV range. Because of the small size and autonomous repointing system, the proposed telescope can be installed on various satellites as an auxiliary instrument. It also can be used on the future International Lunar Research station (ILRS). The main goal of the mission is the long term detailed study of comets and other minor bodies in the Solar System. We briefly discuss variants of the optical schemes, methods of pointing the telescope, scientific filters and modern CMOS detectors. A small dedicated UV telescope with a modern detector will obtain a lot of new information to study comets in the UV range.