MOIRE: Membrane Material Property Characterizations, Testing and Lessons Learned

Abstract

The Membrane Optical Imager (for) Real-time Exploitation (MOIRE) programs’ primary optics are constructed using a membrane material. Using a membrane enables the goal of the MOIRE program to launch large, greater than 10m aperture, optics while simultaneously reducing the weight of the optic. Achieving the desired performance of the membrane as an optical material is highly dependent upon the ability to control that membrane through the design and fabrication process via an understanding of the material properties of the membrane. This paper will cover the material property characterization, testing performed and lessons learned about the unique attributes of membranes, both as a material and as an optic.