The Challenge of Pointing Stability and Accuracy in the Space Interferometer Mission (SIM)

Sponsor
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Year
2001 – 2002
Advisor
  • Richard Campbell Haskell

SIM is an orbiting interferometer telescope capable of relative star measurements 100 times more accurate than ever before.  Specifically, the team is devising a technique for measuring the spacing between telescopes, measuring changes in distance to an accuracy of 100 picometers, or 1 angstrom, roughly the size of a hydrogen atom.

The Physics Clinic program presents opportunities for students to work on practical projects relevant to industrial work. Students work on teams of 3–5 on a sponsored research or development project.