The primary purpose of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate a new technology for manufacturing an ultra-low-cost precision optical telescope mirror which can be scaled up for use in very large UV/optical and/or infrared telescopes.The Phase 1 deliverable will be a 0.25 meter precision mirror. Its optical performance assessment and all data on the processing and properties of its substrate material will be determined.The unique manufacturing processes employed allow for integration of mirror and support features, significantly increasing both cost reduction and quality improvement potential.
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) This proposal will demonstrate prototype manufacturing of a precision mirror in the 0.25 to 0.5 meter class, with a specific scale up roadmap to 1 to 2+ meter class system which can be rated for space flight. Material behavior, processing parameters, optical performance, and mounting techniques will be demonstrated.
Potential NON-NASA Commercial Applications: (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The technology is extensible to commercial telescope optics, as well as telecomm and military optics (eg. lasers). A Phase 2 and Phase 3 outline addresses partnering with key materials suppliers, and key customers in both commercial & miltary market spaces. The size of this market space was determined to be $3.74 B in 2000 [14]. NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.
Technology Taxonomy Mapping: Ceramics Composites Optical Optical & Photonic Materials Photovoltaic Conversion Renewable Energy
