EvolvOptic Awarded NASA SBIR Phase 1

EvolvOptic Awarded NASA SBIR to Develop Ultra-Stable Mirrors for Future Space Missions

We’re proud to announce that EvolvOptic has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by NASA to explore the feasibility of producing ultra-stable, lightweight, and cost-effective space-based mirrors—a critical component for next-generation NASA missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).

Meeting NASA’s Demands for the Future of Space Imaging

To enable the precise, high-performance imaging capabilities required by HWO and other upcoming missions, NASA is looking for mirrors that balance extreme dimensional stability with mass efficiency and affordability. These mirrors also hold significant potential for use in commercial space systems, defense and intelligence imaging, and directed energy applications.

EvolvOptic’s proposed solution is built on the convergence of three core initiatives:

• Mass-efficient closed-back mirror designs
• Use of low-CTE, affordable materials—specifically Ohara’s CLEARCERAM®-Z
• Supply chain optimization to enable scalable manufacturing

What Phase I Will Deliver

Over the next six months, our engineering and manufacturing teams will:

• Identify and evaluate multiple advanced bonding materials and processes
• Produce and test bonded glass-ceramic samples for strength, thermal sensitivity, and moisture resistance
• Design and fabricate a 0.4-meter flat, closed-back demonstration mirror using CLEARCERAM®-Z

The final deliverables will include a comprehensive report outlining the results of the feasibility study, including design evaluations, bonding performance, and manufacturing insights—plus the completed prototype mirror.

This SBIR Phase I effort lays the foundation for future work in Phase II, where we aim to scale these advancements for broader mission and commercial readiness.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue pushing the boundaries of ultra-stable optical system manufacturing for space.