CESIC: a new technology for lightweight and cost effective space instrument structures and mirrors

Christophe Devilliers; Matthias R. Kroedel

doi:10.1117/12.616535

18 August 2005 CESIC: a new technology for lightweight and cost effective space instrument structures and mirrors

Christophe Devilliers, Matthias R. Kroedel

Proceedings Volume 5868, Optical Materials and Structures Technologies II; 58680F (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.616535
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

For some years Alcatel Space has been interested in the development of a new material to produce lightweight, stiff, stable and cost effective structures and mirrors for space instrument. Cesic from ECM has been selected for its intrinsic properties (high specific modulus, high conductivity, quite low thermal expansion coefficient and high fracture toughness for a ceramic material), added to ample manufacturing capabilities. Under ESA responsibility, a flight representative optical bench of Cesic has been designed, manufactured and tested. The optical bench has been submitted with success to intensive vibration tests up to 80 g on shaker without problem and was tested down to 30 K showing very high stability. Cesic is also envisaged for large and lightweight space telescope mirrors. Coatings on the Cesic substrate have been developed and qualified for the most stringent optical needs. To prove the lightweight capability, a large Cesic mirror D=950 mm with an area mass of less than 25 kg/m² has been designed, sized again launch loads and WFE performance, and then manufactured. Cesic is also envisaged for large future focal plane holding a large number of detectors assuring high stability thanks to its high thermal conductivity. A full size Cesic focal plane has been already successfully built and tested. Based on these successful results, Alcatel Space is now in position to propose for space projects this technology mastered in common with ECM both for mirrors and structures with new innovative concepts thanks to the manufacturing capabilities of this technology.

Citation Download Citation

Christophe Devilliers and Matthias R. Kroedel "CESIC: a new technology for lightweight and cost effective space instrument structures and mirrors", Proc. SPIE 5868, Optical Materials and Structures Technologies II, 58680F (18 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.616535

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