Here we discuss various aspects of design and development of the complete instrument, the structural and finite-element analysis of the system performed to ensure that the payload withstands launch-load stresses and vibrations. We expect to fly this telescope—Lunar Ultraviolet Cosmic Imager (LUCI)—on a spacecraft to the Moon as part of the Indian entry into Google X-Prize competition. Observations from the Moon provide a unique opportunity to observe the sky from a stable platform far above the Earth’s atmosphere. However, we will explore other opportunities as well, and will fly this telescope on a high-altitude balloon later this year.
