Fully Active Scale Telescope (FAST)

Blue Line Engineering Co.

Colorado Springs, CO

Project leading to a new class of segmented mirror telescopes being commercialized. The telescopes are of particular interest to research institutions planning to construct the latest generation of ground-based astronomical observatories as well as deployable space-based imaging systems for either research or national defense.

Hallmarks of new technology are the use of relatively small lightweight metal mirror segments that incorporate edge sensors, 9-point mounts, hybrid static and dynamic actuators, local digital signal processing, and an architecture that allows straightforward extension to segmented arrays of hundreds or even thousands of mirror segments.

• A working prototype of a segmented mirror is being built and assembled at this time. Prototype will consist of a spherical primary mirror composed of seven hexagonal segments, each measuring about 33 cm flat-to-flat. Segmented primary mirror will measure roughly one meter in diameter and the finished array (including a tetrahedral support truss, edge sensors, actuators, and segment electronics) will weigh less than 17 kg.
• In uncompensated direct support and materials, Blue Line has invested $50K in project

• Target market sectors: astronomical research institutions (including domestic and international universities) and non-profit consortiums
• Blue Line has realized $1M in revenues from spin-off technologies related to precision displacement measurement systems
• Pike's Peak Observatory Foundation, a non-profit foundation seeking to construct a 3.5-meter segmented mirror telescope, is basing their architecture on the FAST technology demonstrator
• Novel, unique aspects of technology: 1) completely integrated solution to segmented mirror technology that includes integral 9-point mirror support and actuation system, edge sensors, segment electronics, and support structure; 2) inherent modularity of the system that allows mirror segments to be used singularly as large fine steering mirrors or in large arrays of segments where it serves as the basic building block for the construction of huge primary mirrors for telescopes of the future
• Have identified manufacturing methodologies that will result in low-cost mass-producible mirror segments with precisely matched radius of curvature

• Prototype hardware will be used at MSFC as a testbed for segmented mirror alignment and control studies. Testbed could play a role in evaluation of alignment methodologies for the James Web Space Telescope currently being designed and constructed
• Need additional funding to supplement NASA Phase II SBIR in order to complete the full construction and field test of an actual telescope
• Engineers at Ball Aerospace are interested in utilizing this effort's latest generation of edge sensor technology for the JWST. (While edge sensing technology existed prior to this SBIR effort, it has achieved new levels of precision and capability.)
  
• Technology applicable to agencies with active programs in missile defense, space-based surveillance, and laser communications
• Potential USG applications include NOAO's proposed 30-meter earth-based telescope now in concept development and feasibility assessment

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