CFRP composite thin-shelled mirrors for future space telescopes

Robert C. Romeo; Peter C. Chen

doi:10.1117/12.460550

18 December 2002 CFRP composite thin-shelled mirrors for future space telescopes

Robert C. Romeo, Peter C. Chen

Proceedings Volume 4849, Highly Innovative Space Telescope Concepts; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.460550
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The need for extremely large aperture telescopes drives the requirement for new materials and novel approaches to mirror production. Many lightweight mirror concepts are currently being persued, some with promise for extending their ability to facilitate 100-meter and larger space telescope primaries. These concepts include some rather unorthodox materials in unique configurations. Past experience in producing extremely thin CFRP composite mirrors, using unidirectional CFRP prepreg tape, has led us to a more novel CFPR material, which could further reduce the mass and cost of their predecessors. We present a carbon-based, ultra-lightweight fleece material, which have been shown to exhibit high specularity and extremely low areal density, 200 grams/m², at 2-plies, in contrast to more typical unidirectional CFPR material.

Citation Download Citation

Robert C. Romeo and Peter C. Chen "CFRP composite thin-shelled mirrors for future space telescopes", Proc. SPIE 4849, Highly Innovative Space Telescope Concepts, (18 December 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.460550

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