Thin deformable mirrors for a reconfigurable space telescope

Keith Patterson, Namiko Yamamoto, Sergio Pellegrino
2012 53rd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference20th AIAA/ASME/AHS Adaptive Structures Conference14th AIAA   unpublished
As part of a small satellite technology demonstration that will utilize autonomous assembly, reconfiguration, and docking technology to form the primary mirror for the mission's telescope payload, the mirror segments are required to modify and control their shape, in order to allow for imaging in different configurations. This paper focuses on the development of 10 cm diameter active lightweight mirrors. The current mirror design, control scheme, and fabrication methods are described, as well
more » ... experimental results on initial samples. The data demonstrates that the mirrors are capable of at least 100 microns of displacement during operation, and that fabrication on polished molds can result in high quality reflective surfaces.
doi:10.2514/6.2012-1668 fatcat:kwmlcfcannbj5lage3ceozja6e