Description: The proposed Phase I program will design and develop an optical edge that can be integrated to a petal structure and meet the precision, ground handling, packaging, launch and on-orbit environmental requirements. There will be an emphasis on optimizing the integration of a micro-thin metal alloy to a low CTE composite substrate. The Ph1 program will include prototyping and testing the optical edge architecture. In addition, deployable optical close-outs at the root of the petal will also be designed.

Benefits: Technology developed during this SBIR program will be directly applied to any NASA telescope program involved with exoplanet discovery and characterization that needs an external occulter, or Starshade. NASA has identified a potential rendezvous mission with WFIRST/AFTA because it is a large astrophysics telescope capable of supporting direct imaging with a starshade.

Technology developed during this Phase I SBIR would apply to any structure requiring a precise edge for light suppressions. More specifically it would apply to precision joining methods between dissimilar materials like thin metals to carbon fiber composites.