Rapid manufacturing of 0.5m class lightweight mirrors using a lean cell approach (Conference Presentation)

To unlock the potential of space, there is a push for better optical imaging, including for larger parabolic on and off-axis mirrors. Costs and lead times have prohibited many programs from scaling. To answer this call, Optimax is developing manufacturing capabilities using a Lean Cell approach, where generation, polishing, smoothing, final figuring, and core metrology are centrally located and tightly controlled. This approach, and its adaptability, will allow lead time reduction from 60+ weeks to eight weeks for 0.5 m optics. Because all components are contained in one cell, ownership of results is carefully monitored by engineers and technicians from start to finish, increasing the quality and decreasing the decision-making time between steps. Finally, advances in the coating capabilities allow for a variety of customized, 0.5 m optic size coating formulations to finish the process. Data from recent projects will be shared to highlight the process and capabilities.