Ultra-Stable Structures Development and Characterization Using Spatial Dynamic Metrology

The ability to characterize and demonstrate ultra-stable optical structures and systems is critical to several future science missions. Missions like Habex and LUVOIR require telescope structures and optics with picometer class stability over several minute time scales and missions like LISA and X-ray telescopes can also benefit from these technology improvements. This proposal builds upon the significant progress recently made to develop a new high speed spatial metrology system along with a milli-Kelvin stable chamber. It will advance the measurement methods down to the requirements needed for missions like LUVOIR and Habex and it will also use that facility to characterize simple structures, joints, optical systems and ultra-stable optical and composite materials. The result of this work will mature the technology readiness of ultra stable opto-mechanical systems and will help enable future space missions.

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program (SAT) supports focused development efforts for key technologies to the point at which they are ready to feed into major missions in the three science themes of the Astrophysics Division: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic Origins, and the Physics of the Cosmos. This program is specifically designed to address middle technology readiness level (TRL) "gaps" between levels 3 and 6: the maturation of technologies that have been established as feasible, but which are not yet sufficiently mature to incorporate into flight missions without introducing an unacceptable level of risk. NASA does not require a data management plan for proposals to SAT.

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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