Low Cost Producible Composite Mirror and Sensor Support Structures for Exoatmospheric Interceptors

"Exoatmospheric interceptors such as EKV use beryllium extensively in the optical sensor to provide a lightweight, high performance solution. However, beryllium presents cost and producibility issues for future interceptor production programs andalternatives are needed. High modulus carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix (plastic) composites (CFRP) for sensor support structures in conjunction with Carbon/Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composites for mirror substrates are proposed for exoatmosphericinterceptor kill vehicle optical sensors. The proposed materials and design concepts will provide lightweight, lower cost, and more producible alternatives to beryllium. Optical system performance is a function of the dimensional stability of the opticalelements, their attachment, and the structure connecting the optical elements in addition to optical design. Both C/SiC and CFRP materials have a long heritage for dimensionally stable space structures such as telescopes, reflectors, and relay mirrors. Theuse of these materials in EKV sensors will improve performance by providing key attributes of lighter weight, higher strength, high stiffness, optical performance, and nuclear hardness. The proposed combination of CFRP and C/SiC materials and designconcepts is unique for application to missile defense exoatmospheric interceptor kill vehicle optical sensors. Although there is an existing technology base and heritage for space applications, this comb