Heritage of ZERODUR~? Glass Ceramic for Space Applications

摘要

The zero-expansion glass ceramic ZERODUR~? from SCHOTT is widely used for ground-based astronomical mirrors and in industrial applications. This paper points out that it is also well suited for satellite applications, especially with respect to the space radiation environment. Recent developments show that highly lightweighted components can be manufactured and that such structures are strong enough to survive launch vibrations. A series of thirty reference applications, where ZERODUR~? has been or is currently used (including METEOSAT, SPOT, ROSAT, CHANDRA, and HST), demonstrate the high and long lasting performance of ZERODUR~? components in orbit. The ongoing successful missions and upcoming new satellites continue to enlarge the space heritage of this unique material.