U.S. military researchers have awarded a $7.9 million contract to Honeywell Aerospace Technologies for the development of a size-scalable liquid mirror for telescope applications in space and on the ground. The contract is part of DARPA’s Zenith program, which aims to create liquid mirrors that can maintain their shape even when tilted out-of-plane.
Liquid mirrors are a more cost-effective and adaptable alternative to glass mirrors for telescopes, as they can easily be adjusted to form a parabolic shape, ideal for focusing light. DARPA initiated the 50-month Zenith program in January 2023, with the first phase focusing on the design of a scalable liquid mirror lens.
Now entering its second phase, Honeywell will work to demonstrate the first-phase design with even greater capabilities, including fluid component reflectivity, aperture size, out-of-plane tip and tilt angles, slew rate, and wavefront control. The goal is to create liquid mirrors and telescopes that behave like traditional telescopes but with significantly larger aperture sizes and increased damage-resistance, making them suitable for both ground and space applications.
If successful, the Zenith program could revolutionize the field of astronomy by providing researchers with more affordable and versatile telescope options. Honeywell will be completing the work at various locations in the U.S. and Canada by November 2026. For more information about the program, visit the Honeywell Aerospace Technologies website or the DARPA Zenith program page.
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Photo credit www.militaryaerospace.com
