Next Generation X-Ray Mirror (XMA) Assembly

The X-ray Mirror Assembly (XMA) being pioneered at GSFC is a modular, heavily nested design that uses a Wolter-Schwarzschild optical prescription. Instead of complete surfaces of revolution, each of the two reflection stages (primary and secondary) are divided into ~10 cm angular segments, so that each segment subtends a small fraction (2-12 degrees) of the entire circumference. Nesting is accomplished by precisely stacking segments of ~30 radially adjacent mirrors to form modules. All precision optical alignment is performed during module assembly. The full mirror is assembled by mounting the modules in a support structure. 

This notice is issued by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to solicit responses from interested parties. NASA is seeking information on potential partnerships, innovative approaches, manufacturing and mass production processes for an X-Ray Mirror (XMA) for use in future X-ray astronomy observatories. The XMA is being explored to be prepared to respond to both near-term and longterm future opportunities. The key performance parameters for the mirror are its optical performance, mass, and cost. This RFI is canvassing industry for capability to provide an X-Ray Mirror Assembly or component parts, with the following nominal specifications:

• Multiple nested, grazing-incidence Wolter Type 1 or Wolter-Schwarzschild optical
prescription
• 1.25 arc-second angular resolution (Point Spread Function)
• < 0.5 nm surface microroughness
• Mirror substrate mass per unit surface area ≤ 2 kg/m²
• Mirror Assembly mass per unit surface area ≤ 6 kg/ m² [Excluding pre- and postcollimators]
• Cost per unit substrate surface area ≤ 1M$/m² (everything included, end-to-end)

Please refer to attached documents for further details.