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US 12,724,181 B2Granted
Attritable ceramic mirror for space application
AssigneeCoorsTek, Inc.
InventorsWarren Andrew Thomas, Randel F. Mercer, Patrick Michael Bickley
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Abstract
Provided herein is a lightweight satellite component such as an optical mirror for aerospace applications and methods of making such lightweight components. The optical mirror comprises a graphite body and a SiC reflective layer formed on and integrated with the graphite body. The optical mirror is designed for demise upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
Claims19
A satellite component comprising:
- a graphite body having a first outer surface coated with silicon carbide (SiC);
- and
- a second outer surface positioned below the first outer surface, the second outer surface comprising exposed graphite.
A method for making a satellite component, comprising:
- providing a graphite body comprising a face plate and a support base, wherein the support base is positioned beneath the face plate and integrated with the bottom surface of the face plate;
- depositing a layer of SiC using chemical vapor deposition on the outer surface of the face plate, wherein a bottom surface of the support base positioned beneath the face plate comprises exposed graphite;
- applying a mask to the support base to prevent deposition of SiC onto a portion of the support base covered by the mask;
- and
- removing the mask to expose the exposed graphite.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.