Investigating mass reduction capabilities of additive manufacturing through the re-design of a space-based mirror

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for the use of complex geometries and consolidation of parts, which has expansive applications to space-based optics. By using internal latticing to reduce mass, satellites can be less expensive to launch. However, issues of print-through and internal stresses, caused by the machining processes, can distort the reflective surface, impacting the optical performance at shorter wavelengths (visible and ultraviolet). This paper will explore these issues through the re-design of a mirror for a CubeSat, concluded by a metrology evaluation.