Dimensionally Stable and Survivable Silicon Carbide Telescope

MDA, Raytheon and other DoD components are interested in Dimensionally Stable and Survivable Silicon Carbide Telescopes for the next generation of Space Tracking and Space Surveillance System (STSS). The requirements for the proposed athermal telescope are: operation in the Proton Belt (LEO, up to 1 Mrad Si total ionizing dose, TID), survive an exoatmospheric nuclear event, high optical performance (reflectance) across the 0.6-12 microns wavebands (VIS/MWIR/LWIR), and perform in cryogenic operational temperatures from 150-220 K. Any single one of these operational and environmental requirements is challenging; together these requirements synergize and result in a technology challenge that is quite daunting, a challenge that requires a GAME CHANGING technology solution. The MDA Phase I review board comprised of MDA and Air Force personnel described Trex HoneySiC material as GAME CHANGING Technology for multiple BMDS elements, including: STSS/PTSS, SM3 Block IIA, THAAD, HEL Agile Acquisition/Tracking, Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS), and Integrated Structures. Rapid prototyping is made possible by molding near net-shape fiber prepreg materials and converting theses to silicon carbide in a matter of weeks, providing ultra-low areal cost and density for the parts. Four key Needs of BMDS System are achieved: discrimination, radiation hardening, ultra-lightweighting and affordability.