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| Paper: |
The NGST Mission Simulator |
| Volume: |
216, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems IX |
| Page: |
307 |
| Authors: |
Speck, S.; Samson, R.; Stallcup, S.; Petro, L. |
| Abstract: |
The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) is designed to be a successor to The Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The NGST, intended for observations in the near and mid infrared spectrum, consists of an Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA), a sunshield, and an Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). Reliable estimation of the exposure time and sensitivity of NGST observations is essential to the development of feasible scientific programs. The NGST Mission Simulator (NMS) is a suite of web based tools that is being used for observing program and spacecraft design studies. The NMS calculates exposure times, signal-to-noise ratios, or sensitivities for observations of astronomical targets given a design of the NGST observatory and its potential science instruments. The NMS can also be used to calculate the Mission Elapsed Time (MET) for a suite of observing programs based upon the optimal scheduling of those observations in each program. This paper describes the current architecture of the NMS and the various scenarios under which the tools can be employed. We conclude with a discussion of future enhancements under consideration. The URL for the main page of the NMS web site is NGST NMS. |
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