Joints of composite frames for optics support structure

A joint for a composite frame, the joint comprising:

• a first composite rod;
• a second composite rod, wherein the first and second composite rods are interconnected at a first location;
• wherein each of the first composite rod and the second composite rod comprises layers of a fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composite material, and wherein layers of the first composite rod are separated by layers of the second composite rod at the first location;
• a first shell abutting the first composite rod and the second composite rod;
• a second shell abutting the first composite rod and the second composite rod, the second shell disposed opposite the first shell relative to the first composite rod and the second composite rod;
• and
• wherein each of the first shell and the second shell comprises:
• a first groove configured to accommodate the first composite rod;
• a second groove configured to accommodate the second composite rod;
• and
• a depression disposed at an intersection of the first groove and the second groove, the depression having a depth greater than each of the first groove and the second groove to accommodate the first composite rod and the second composite rods at the first location;
• wherein the first and second shells are joined together such that the first and second composite rods are fixed therebetween at the first location.