Multiple petal deployable telescope

An opto-mechanical deployable telescope, comprising:

• a hub;
• a deployable primary mirror positioned on the hub and comprising a plurality of petals, the plurality of petals being pivotable from a stowed position to a deployed position;
• a deployment assembly configured to operate the plurality of petals between the stowed and deployed positions and hold the plurality of petals in alignment relative to each other in the deployed position using a kinematic or semi-kinematic interface between the hub and the plurality of petals;
• and
• a secondary optic assembly comprising a secondary optical member, the secondary optic assembly being mounted to the hub and operable to axially position the secondary optical member relative to the primary mirror;
• wherein each petal of the primary mirror is separately attached to the hub with a hinge connection, the hinge connection providing radial movement of the plurality of petals when in the deployed position that permits the deployment assembly rather than the hinge connection to control alignment of the plurality of petals.

A method of deploying an opto-mechanical deployable telescope, comprising:

• providing a hub, at least one primary mirror mounted to the hub, a deployment assembly, and a secondary optic assembly mounted to the hub and comprising a secondary optical member, the at least one primary mirror including a plurality of petals;
• moving the plurality of petals from a stowed position to a deployed position with the deployment assembly;
• aligning the plurality of petals relative to each other with the deployment assembly while moving the plurality of petals into the deployed position, wherein aligning the plurality of petals includes providing a semi-kinematic interface between the plurality of petals and the hub;
• and
• operating the secondary optic assembly to adjust an axial position of the secondary optical member relative to the at least one primary mirror;
• wherein each petal of the at least one primary mirror is separately attached to the hub with a hinge connection, the hinge connection providing radial movement of the plurality of petals when in the deployed position that permits the deployment assembly rather than the hinge connection to control alignment of the plurality of petals.