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Cellular Optimization of Additively Produced Mirror Substrates for In-space Imaging
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) will develop add-on capability for an existing in-house design tool for generation of lightweight telescope mirror substrates with optimized stiffness, mitigation of disrupting vibrational modes, and consideration of the thermal environment. Leveraging the production capabilities offered by additive manufacturing technologies and materials, CRG will establish a computational design process specifically suited for optical substrates. By performing topology optimization of conformal lattice structures, the overall mass can be significantly reduced while also driving the design to geometries exhibiting vibration damping by taking advantage of unique design methodologies. During Phase I, CRG will add objectives and constraints specifically for mirror substrate design based on identified requirements. Prototype structures will be fabricated using additive manufacturing and experimentally evaluated and compared to traditionally designed structures.
Benefits
• Telescopes addressing COR, ExEP, and PCOS program missions • Monolithic and segmented mirror substrates for in-space telescopes • Lightweight telescope structures supporting enhanced stability • Launch and propulsion structures requiring vibration mitigation
• In-space laser communication assemblies • Automotive and transportation structures design • Unified structural and thermal heat exchangers
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > Observatories > Mirror Systems |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., Miamisburg, OH |
| Start date | 2023-08-03 |
| End date | 2024-02-02 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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