Advanced Lightweight Metal Matrix Composite Segmented Optic Manufacture

Completed TRL 5 (started at 2, targeting 5)

Description

Design, manufacture and test a flat segmented mirror made of optical grade AlBeMet 162 material and fusion bonded through the use of E Beam welding to demonstrate the feasability of manufacturing much larger segmented optics that perform as monlithic optics.

Benefits

Any optical requirement for a mirror larger than the 1.2 meter optics currently being produced. Segmented mirrors will allow more design options, lower costs and accelerated deliveries.

Any optical requirement for a mirror larger than the 1.2 meter optics currently being produced. Segmented mirrors will allow more design options, lower costs and accelerated deliveries.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Observatories > Mirror Systems
Program	Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Lead organization	Hardric Laboratories, Inc., North Chelmsford, MA
Start date	2010-01-29
End date	2010-07-29

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Howard J Wood — howard.j.wood@nasa.gov
Michael Kornik

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.

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.