Alternate architecture for the Origins Space Telescope

Abstract. We report on our investigation into adapting the design of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to the needs and requirements of the Origins Space Telescope. The modifications needed to the equipment and insulation of the JWST design to achieve the 4.5-K design temperature for Origins are introduced and detailed. The Webb thermal model is modified to the Origins design and used to predict the heat loads at 18 and 4.5 K. We also describe the needed development of the JWST Mid-Infrared Instrument’s cryocooler needed to reach the temperature necessary for Origins. The capabilities of the various modified cryocoolers are discussed. We show that three modified coolers are needed to achieve the performance required for Origins. Finally, we show that the baseline instruments and needed coolers can be accommodated for volume, mass, and power in the Webb architecture.