A rapid processing method for large, low-expansion, light-weight mirrors

"M Cubed has conducted preliminary work to fabricate near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) fiber reinforced ceramic composites. These composites have high specific stiffness and thermal stability (thermal conductivity/CTE). M Cubed has alsodeveloped ways to rapidly polish surfaces of various materials to Angstrom level surface finish. In the proposed program, these technologies will be combined to fabricate a 1m diameter light-weight space mirror. M Cubed has teamed with a leading primecontractor for several space-based initiatives. In the Phase I, first the composite manufacturing process will be refined through fabrication of coupons and extensive characterization. Next a prototype 1m diameter mirror will be designed and fabricatedfor technology demonstration. In the Phase II, the process will be further optimized, and even larger mirror components will be fabricated. These components will be tested by the prime contractor. The Phase I program will prove the feasibility of M Cubed'scomposite manufacturing process for fabricating large mirrors, and Phase II will optimize the component fabrication technology with respect to cost, fabrication time, polishing techniques etc.. At the end of Phase II, a scaled-up manufacturing processeswill be available for the production of various commercial and military space based mirrors. In addition to applications for space mirrors, the composite material is expected to have application