MSFC COI NMSD Cryogenic Test Data Review

Abstract

The NGST Mirror System Demonstrator (NMSD) from Composite Optics Incorporated (COI) was developed in support of the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) program. The goal was to produce a 1.6 m class, ultra light-weight (<15 kg/sq m), glass-on-composite mirror that could be operated at 35 K. The mirror has been cryogenically tested at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) a total of two times. This paper will describe the test goals, the test instrumentation, and the test results (low & high order figure and radius of curvature) for both cryogenic tests.