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Abstract-Advances in earth and space instrumentation will come from future optical systems that can provide large, collecting areas of low areal mass density (< 10 kg/sq meter) at a cost much lower than current practice. Launch cost and volume constraints require mass and volume both be reduced to permit affordable systems using large apertures. Composite optics show promise for light-weight, stiff optical substrates, but surface finish has not been adequate for many applications. Electroplated, replicated optical surfaces of nickel have been used for producing smooth, accurate optical surfaces primarily for X-ray optics, but require high mass to be self-supporting. Combining a light-weight and stiff composite substrate with a high quality replicated metal optical surface combines the best properties of these disparate materials. Recent developments in polymer chemistry have led to development of resins that can be formed into structures with shape memory properties. The unique properties of shape memory resins in the composite provide a larger range of design parameters for production of usable optics, allowing repeated deployability and accurate recovery to replicated shapes, selective shaping of optical surfaces, and management of interface stresses. Results are presented from optical and structural tests of various mirror constructions that show progress towards a laminated, deployable optic. Key issues for successful space applications are interface stress control of the disparate materials, strain recovery of the resins for accurate deployment, and stability over the operating conditions of temperature and moisture loss. Initial requirements analysis and material properties measurements for both system and individual material target performance are presented with current status and goals for future development.

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