Abstract

A high performance infrared spaceborne telescope such as the Space Infra-Red Telescope Facility (SIRTF) will require aspheric optical forms with smooth, low-scatter surface, high performance coatings, and an ultra-lightweight design approach that can perform from room temperature to cryogenic temperature. The design approach must not only be rugged, low risk, and reliable, but also capable of surviving a launch environment and enduring in space for many years. A design approach, which meets performance requirements at cryogenic temperatures employing passive mirrors (without figure control actuators, sensors, electronics, etc.), offers significant advantage in weight, performance, and reliability.

© 1987 Optical Society of America