Design of lightweight primary mirror for the TAUVEX telescope

The UV astronomical telescope built by EL-OP in conjunction with the Tel Aviv University Wise Observatory is planned to be launched in 1995 on the SRG satellite. The telescope is comprised of three almost identical Ritchey-Chretien co-aligned telescopes. One of the most critical components of each of these telescopes is their primary mirror. The demanding requirements imposed by the optical design play a major role in the design of such elements. A complex design scheme which involves the utilization of finite element structural analysis in evaluating thermal as well as static and dynamic loadings, is involved. The technique of mirror light weighting involves the know-how and acquaintance with manufacturing limitations as well as mirror mounting techniques. Through a substantial use of CAD tools and the above mentioned analytical tools, a rigorous trial and error effort was undertaken until a final design was accomplished.