Extremely Low Areal Density (ELAD) Thin Shell Primaries

In the proposed research, we will demonstrate the feasibility of near optical band large diameter thin shell primaries with areal densities of less that 1 kg/m^2 that are also more affordable to make than the state of the art. This extremely low arealdensity (ELAD) surface technology has the potential to enable dramatic reductions in acquisition, launch and operational costs of a variety of MDA missions like SBL, SBIRS LOW, ABL, etc. The impressive but challenging technical and operational gains aremade possible by recent advances in the field of polyimide thin shell surfaces with optical grade surface roughness and internally and externally reacted active shape control approaches. In addition to correcting for residual manufacturing errors andenvironmental disturbances, active control provides for additional operational/design flexibility by enabling, for example, direct tip/tilt control the primary. Phase 1 research focuses on the feasibility of key technology components like the passiveshaping of polyimides with coatings and the design of affordable actuation systems. In Phase 2, scope expands to address alternative actuation and surface coating approaches, demonstrating reliability of key components, environmental testing, etc.,leading towards a scaled demonstrator and eventual flight demo.