Abstract

When it is finally launched in 1981, the Space Shuttle will provide relatively easy access to the hard vacuum of space. From there we will have an optically stable medium through which to look up at the stars to satisfy our scientific curiousity, or down at the earth to satisfy our defense needs. But exploiting this new optical platform poses unparalled challenges for optical fabrication technology. Mirrors must be capable of operating in a thermally hostile environment. They must be as light as possible to meet launch vehicle weight constraints, yet stiff enough to hold their figure once released from gravity's influence. The field of view requirements will demand that mirrors be highly aspheric. Mirrors which exceed the Space Shuttle's four meter diameter capacity will have to be sent up as segments and assembled in orbit. What is more, defense requirements will mandate that the normally leisurely pace of optical surfacing be significantly accelerated.

© 1980 Optical Society of America