Systems Technology provides engineering consulting services in the conceptual and preliminary design phase of a project. We participate in design reviews, do validation work for initial operations, and perform systems identification and analysis for upgrade projects. We can work on-site at project locations. Systems Technology has worked on Keck, TMT, and CCAT telescopes and on a JPL optical communication system.

Astronomical Control System Capabilities

• Mathematical modeling of mechanical structures and the validation of these models
• Control system design for pointing and tracking, vibration rejection, and shape control systems
• Actuator design and testing for optical systems
• Development of requirements and requirements validation

Selected references:

1. Thompson, P.M., D.G. MacMynowski, M.W. Regehr, M.M. Colavita, M.J. Sirota (2010) Servo design and analysis for the Thirty Meter Telescope primary mirror actuator, SPIE, San Diego.
2. Thompson, P. M., MacMynowski, D. G., & Sirota, M. J. (2008). Analysis of the TMT Mount Control System. SPIE, Marseille, France.
3. MacMynowski, D. G., Thompson, P. M., Ph.D., & Sirota, M. J. (2008). Analysis of TMT Primary Mirror Control-Structure Interaction. SPIE, Marseille, France
4. Thompson, P. M., MacMynowski, D. G., & Sirota, M. J. (2008). Control Analysis of the TMT Primary Segment Assembly. SPIE, Marseille, France.
5. Sirota, M.J., P.M. Thompson, and H.R. Jex, (1994) Azimuth / Elevation Servo Performance of the W. M. Keck Telescope,” SPIE Kona, Hawaii.
6. Sirota, M.J., P.M. Thompson (1988) Azimuth / Elevation Servo Design of the W. M. Keck Telescope, SPIE Vol. 887.

Download Systems Technology Publication