The Advance Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) project is in Phase 2 of a multiyear effort, initiated in FY12, to mature by at least a half TRL step six critical technologies required to enable 4 meter or larger UVOIR space telescope primary mirror assemblies for both general astrophysics and ultra-high contrast observations of exoplanets. AMTD continues to achieve all of its goals and accomplished all of its milestones to date. We have done this by assembling an outstanding team from academia, industry, and government with extensive expertise in astrophysics and exoplanet characterization, and in the design/manufacture of monolithic and segmented space telescopes; by deriving engineering specifications for advanced normal-incidence mirror systems needed to make the required science measurements; and by defining and prioritizing the most important technical problems to be solved.
The Advance Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) project is a three year effort initiated in FY12 to mature by at
least a half TRL step six critical technologies required to enable 4 to 8 meter UVOIR space telescope primary mirror
assemblies for both general astrophysics and ultra-high contrast observations of exoplanets. Thus far, AMTD has
achieved all of its goals and accomplished all of its milestones. We did this by assembling an outstanding team from
academia, industry, and government with extensive expertise in astrophysics and exoplanet characterization, and in the
design/manufacture of monolithic and segmented space telescopes; by deriving engineering specifications for advanced
normal-incidence mirror systems needed to make the required science measurements; and by defining and prioritizing
the most important technical problems to be solved.
The most recent study of the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission is based on reuse of an
existing 2.4m telescope. This study was commissioned by NASA to examine the potential science return and cost
effectiveness of WFIRST by using this significantly larger aperture telescope. We review the science program
envisioned by the WFIRST 2012-2013 Science Definition Team (SDT), an overview of the mission concept, and
the telescope design and status. Comparisons against the previous 1.3m and reduced cost 1.1m WFIRST design
concepts are discussed. A significant departure from past point designs is the option for serviceability and the
geostationary orbit location which enables servicing and replacement instrument insertion later during mission
life. Other papers at this conference provide more in depth discussion of the wide field instrument and the optional
exoplanet imaging coronagraph instrument.
Lightweight, high performance optical systems have historically relied upon ultralightweight optical components to achieve high stiffness, low weight, high quality optical surfaces exhibiting high thermal stability. Composite Optics, Incorporated (COI) has independently pursued state-of-the-art graphite fiber reinforce composite (GFRC) substrates for microwave and infrared (IR) applications. Eastman Kodak Company (Kodak) and COI have participated in a joint evaluation of hybrid optical mirrors fabricated from low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) graphite composite materials and ULETM low CTE glass. While glass can be polished to achieve an optical quality surface, relative to other mirror substrates, GFRC attractively offers high specific stiffness and low steady state and transient distortion characteristics as shown. This joint effort between Kodak and COI has resulted in the demonstration of processed optical surfaces within 0.05 waves rms (at 0.63 micrometers ). Optical surfaces have remained stable to within 2 waves rms over a wide range of temperatures (-13 to 65 degree(s)C). The optical performance demonstrated meets the requirements for long wavelength systems, with promise of satisfying visible wavelength performance with further development.
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