MSFC SBMD Cryogenic Test Data Review

Abstract

The Subscale Beryllium Mirror Demonstrator (SBMD) was developed in support of the Next Generation Space Telescope program. The goal was to produce a 0.5 m class, ultra lightweight (<12 kg/sq m), beryllium mirror that could be operated at 35 K. The mirror, developed by Ball Aerospace, has been cryogenically tested at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) a total of three times. The first two tests established the cryogenic performance and repeatability of the SBMD. Between the second and third tests, the mirror was cryo-figured. Thus, the third test measured the performance of the mirror with cryo-figuring applied. This paper will describe the test goals, the test instrumentation, and the test results (low & high order figure and radius of curvature) for all three cryogenic tests.