Multi-Component Composites for Lightweight Space-Based Mirrors

"Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., proposes to develop a multi-component compositematerial system which will address the drawbacks of conventional materials andcurrent fabrication processes for space-based mirrors. Going beyond a simpletwo-component composite (resin plus woven fabric), this program will develop a newmulti-component composite material system and demonstrate its practical applicationfor fabricating lightweight mirrors for space-based optical systems.The resulting material will provide major reduction in mirror areal density(compared with current operational mirrors) while achieving strength, stiffness,and thermal properties optimized for space applications. This novel compositematerial will also enable fabrication techniques that are faster and cheaper thancurrent practice for space-based mirrors. Operational Benefits: (1) Material with lower mass density will enable largermirrors by both reducing the areal density of the mirror itself and reducing themass of support structure that essentially becomes non-performing "scar" mass afterorbital deployment; (2) Mirror material with low CTE will improve performance whilesimplifying the system design challenge; (3) Mirror material enabling simpler,faster fabrication processes with less expensive facility requirements willdramatically reduce mirror costs.Commercial Applications: (1) Government, quasi-governmental, and commercialorbital imaging enterprises (e. g., LANDSAT an