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A Low Cost High Specific Stiffness Mirror Substrate

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX11CH28P
Agency Tracking Number: 105242
Amount: $99,935.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S2.04
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-02-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-02-17
Small Business Information
13750 Old Dock Road
Orlando, FL 32828-9506
United States
DUNS: 555774665
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mark Tellam
 Principal Investigator
 (407) 617-1156
 mtellam@ceramicore.com
Business Contact
 Mark Tellam
Title: Director / COO
Phone: (407) 617-1156
Email: mtellam@ceramicore.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

The primary purpose of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate a new technology for manufacturing an ultra-low-cost precision optical telescope mirror which can be scaled up for use in very large UV/optical and/or infrared telescopes. This proposal will demonstrate prototype manufacturing of a precision mirror in the 0.25 to 0.5 meter class, with a specific scale up roadmap to 1 to 2+ meter class system which can be rated for space flight. Material behavior, processing parameters, optical performance, and mounting techniques will be demonstrated. The potential for scale-up will be addressed from a processing and infrastructure point of view. The Phase 1 deliverable will be a 0.25 meter proof-of-concept mirror. Its optical performance assessment and all data on the processing and properties of its substrate material will be determined.UMS proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of forming a polymer derived 'bulk ceramic' mirror substrate with a 'fully dense' optical surface. This mirror substrate with fully dense surface, will be optically figured, polished and coated with a reflective metal system typically used in a commercial terrestrial telescope.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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