Analysis of the possibility of interferometric laser control of the surface of an optical telescope mirror. Part I

A theoretical analysis is made of some of the general problems encountered in the design of large-diameter optical telescopes with interferometric control and automatic alignment of the surface of a segmented primary mirror. Conditions are found for the rigidity of the construction of the segment supports which would make it possible to dispense with the control and alignment at right angles to the optic axis of the telescope. The rigidity requirements are found to be fully acceptable also for the telescopes operated in the terrestrial atmosphere and these requirements are independent of the telescope size.