Object Details
- Summary
- This is a one-quarter segment of the primary mirror used in laboratory testing of the Large Optics Demonstration Experiment (LODE). The Department of Defense in 1977 initiated R&D into a space-based chemical laser program (SBCL), whose main efforts included development of an Alpha laser and LODE. LODE was designed to demonstrate critical beam control and optics technology to sample the laser beam and correct distortions to produce a high-quality beam. Lockheed received the LODE contract and the newly-established Strategic Defense Initiative Organization assumed responsibility for the SBCL program in 1984.
- Lockheed built a laboratory bench system called a "brassboard" for LODE, which included the primary mirror and associated hardware, and a diagnostic collimator (a device that narrowed the beam). It conducted several successful tests by 1990. However, with the end of the Cold War the justification for deployment of a complete defensive shield against a Soviet ballistic missile attack no longer existed and the SBCL was cancelled.
- Lockheed built this artifact and Ray Bell donated it to the Museum in 2019.
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Credit Line
- Gift of Raymond and Carrie Bell
- Materials
- Non-Magnetic White Metal
- Ferrous Alloy
- Glass
- Plastics
- Reflective Coating
- AdhesivePaint
- Adhesive Tape
- Solder
- Dimensions
- 3-D: 27.9 × 51.4cm (11 in. × 1 ft. 8 1/4 in.)
- Type
- EQUIPMENT-Test
