Accession Number:

ADA536520

Title:

A Space Imaging Concept Based on a 4-meter Spun-Cast Borosilicate Monolithic Primary Mirror

Descriptive Note:

Briefing charts

Corporate Author:

STEWARD OBSERVATORY TUCSON AZ

Personal Author(s):

• West, Steve
• Bailey, S. H.
• Bauman, Steve
• Cuerden, Brian
• Olbert, Blain
• Bell, Ray
• Granger, Zac

Report Date:

2010-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

21.0

Abstract:

The goal of this effort is to produce the largest monolithic telescope capable of being lifted by a Delta IV or Atlas V EELV to 500 km. A strategy using a 4 m borosilicate mirror is proposed. A preliminary architecture was identified with a new mirror design that is estimated to be 40 times stiffer than a meniscus mirror of the same mass. A mass budget and conceptual packaging details were completed. The mirror was evaluated for its ability to handle launch loads using a time based strength, flaw size, and estimated support stresses. A thermal figuring method was investigated as the wavefront correction system with power and performance estimates. Future efforts will demonstrate mirror casting and thermal figuring.

Descriptors:

• *TELESCOPES
• *SPACE ENVIRONMENTS
• *SPACE PERCEPTION
• THERMAL EXPANSION
• MONOLITHIC STRUCTURES(ELECTRONICS)
• ARCHITECTURE
• SILICATES
• COEFFICIENTS
• MIRRORS
• STRESSES
• STRENGTH(GENERAL)

Subject Categories:

• Optical Detection and Detectors

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE