Abstract

The Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO) has funded several efforts in the development of large active telescope technology. Among these have been the optical fabrication of extremely thin and flexible large optical facesheets for primary mirrors. Current efforts are focussed on the Large Optical Segment (LOS) Program. This effort was initiated with parallel design efforts performed by Eastman Kodak and Litton-Itek Optical Systems. Subsequently, Corning Glass was funded to fabricate two large Ultra Low Expansion (ULE) glass facesheets. Currently Itek is funded to perform the optical finishing of these facesheets. Many of the technologies developed are already finding their way into support of astronomical telescope construction.

© 1992 Optical Society of America