Low Cost, Light Weight Materials for Mirrors, Phase II

During the phase I program Northwestern and APS, Inc., have manufactured several different materials systems that are lighter than Beryllium and stiffer than Aluminum. These high specific strength materials are also easily fabricated into larger shapes or even net shape processed. The mechanical (tensile and modulus) and thermal physical (CTE, thermal conductivity) property data for several systems never before manufactured, will be presented as well as fabricated coupons, mirrors, structures and other parts will be available for review. Several different diameter parts ranging for 3" to 11" have been demonstrated. These various extremely lightweight systems are easily machined, threaded/joined and have highly variable properties, including variations of thermal conductivity, and radiation hardening/protection capabilities. Phase II will continue with this success for mirrors an dlightweight structure.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.