In-Silico: In-Space Deposition System for Dielectric Optical Coating Development

Next generation of optical space communication and directed energy assets will require large optical apertures >1 meter. Lunar Resources, Inc. (Lunar Resources), the corporate spin-out of NASA’s Wake Shield Facility (WSF) Program and technology leader in in-space vacuum deposition technology aims to develop a future USAF architecture where large optical apertures with greater material reflectivity, higher optical coating quality, and lower coating attenuations are manufactured in orbit to take advantage of the vacuum environment of space. This Lunar Resources Phase II Special Topic SBIR proposal aims to: 1. Design and manufacture a brass-board in-space deposition system for dielectric optical coatings on large substrates in the vacuum of space. 2. Develop control algorithms in order to deposit optical coatings onto an optical substrate in-space with <3% uniformity error onto substrates >5M in diameter. 3. Perform vacuum and performance testing of the deposition system in terrestrial vacuum chambers to validate system and deposition process. 4. Perform testing and evaluation (T&E) of brass board system performance to ensure the system will support U.S. military reconnaissance, directed energy, and additive manufacturing needs.