A Low Cost Light Weight Polymer Derived Ceramic Telescope Mirror, Phase I

The primary purpose of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate a new technology for manufacturing an ultra-low-cost precision optical telescope mirror which can be scaled up for use in very large UV/optical and/or infrared telescopes. The Phase 1 deliverable will be a 0.25 meter precision mirror. Its optical performance assessment and all data on the processing and properties of its substrate material will be determined. The unique manufacturing processes employed allow for integration of mirror and support features, significantly increasing both cost reduction and quality improvement potential.

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.