B. You could have multiple panels operate as a swarm. There could be many "mirrors" that focus images on one central "collector". That would be larger than any telescope that needs to be shipped as one unit e.g. James-Webb.
Is that level of precision even remotely achievable with today's technology?
My understanding is that orbital insertion accuracy is in the ±10-50 meters range, with the most advanced formation flying satellite swarms hitting 10 cm to 1 m precision between satellites with the help of optical navigation.
But the precision between the panels on a telescope like JWST is in the sub-mm range, no?
Also, I'd assume stuff like orbital decay, atmospheric drag, gravitational perturbations, and solar radiation pressure would make it difficult to maintain precision over time.
I'm sure/hopeful there's some people here at HN working on stuff like this, please fill in and correct me!
It would be nice to see a swarm of satellites advance astronomy for once!
The benefit of the "pez dispenser" is that you can very efficiently send up lots of the parts and then deploy them into gigantic arrays.