1.4 KiB
1.4 KiB
📝 Condensation: Mirror Substrate Material Trade Study Review
Date: 2026-02-16 Channel: #engineering Thread: N/A Participants: Webster, Auditor
Context
A trade study was performed by Webster (orch-1771210952) to select a substrate material for a 500mm space telescope mirror, comparing SiC, ULE, and Zerodur. The study was subsequently challenged by Auditor (orch-1771211034).
Decision
The initial trade study and its recommendation of Zerodur are invalidated. A new, more comprehensive study is required before a decision can be made.
Rationale
The audit identified critical flaws in the original analysis:
- Incorrect Operating Temperature: The study was based on a 20°C environment, whereas the mirror will operate at cryogenic temperatures (<100K). This fundamental error invalidates the material performance comparison.
- Omission of Key Material: The study failed to include Beryllium, a flight-proven material used in critical space telescopes like JWST.
- Incomplete Criteria: The analysis lacked manufacturability, cost, and lead time considerations.
Action Items
- Re-run the trade study using correct cryogenic temperature parameters (<100K).
- Include Beryllium in the material comparison.
- Add manufacturability, cost, and lead time to the evaluation criteria.
Supersedes
- Webster's initial research findings and recommendation (orch-1771210952).