SiC telescope demonstrator (mirrors and structure): optomechanical performances

Matra Marconi Space (MMS) has designed, built, aligned and tested a 200-mm bi-telescope demonstrator, which both structure and mirrors have been manufactured with silicon carbide. Thanks to the unique properties of sintered silicon carbide developed by C and C, the measured performance of our demonstration show the great interest of such approach for space optics applications. This paper describes the main innovative points and performance which have been drawn up during demonstrator development: (i) a very few number of pieces, thanks to an innovative architecture and a very simple mirror attachment concept, made our concept cost effective; (ii) a high optical quality of primary mirror telescope; (iii) a huge optical stability over large environmental constraints, either after mechanical stress or thermal stress; (iv) design compatible with a serial production.