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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Small Business Technology Transfer 1999 Program Solicitation

NASA Installation: Langley Research Center (LaRC)

The Center of Excellence for Structures and Materials targets innovations in membrane reflectors with integral actuation concepts that may lead to optical systems with reduced manufacturing costs, reduced manufacturing time, and weight. These innovations should be implemented using advanced structural concepts and advanced materials including smart materials and superconductors.

Innovations are needed to reduce the cost, weight, and time to flight of future large aperture space telescopes. The use of thinner membranes will likely require the use of more actuators to maintain the desired optical figure. An understanding of the trade-offs between membrane thickness, actuator control authority, locations, and system weight is expected to lead to more optimal designs.

Technology challenges to support this Center of Excellence and proposals for this solicitation should include each of the following elements. :

Adaptive Optical Segment

An adaptive optical segment consists of a reflector surface material that is integrated with an actuation system to enable adaptive figure control to achieve a desired optical performance. Concepts for an adaptive optical system could be for the entire aperture of a telescope or for a segment of the entire aperture. The Center of Excellence seeks innovations in adaptive optical segments that couple membrane reflector materials with actuation concepts.

Membrane Reflectors

Innovations in membrane reflectors including polymers and metals that incorporate reduced cost manufacturing techniques are sought. Reflectors used in optical telescope missions require stringent surface finish and figure control.

Actuators

Actuation concepts consistent with the membrane reflector material properties are sought. These actuators should be capable of correcting the shape of the reflector surface and should be able to hold the reflector shape with minimal power dissipation.

Integrated Analysis

Analyses that couple membrane mechanics, actuator performance, and optical figures of merit are sought. These analyses should address the membrane thickness, actuator spacing, and actuator authority and how these relate to optical performance.

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