Boston Micromachines Awarded Space Imaging Grant

After the successful completion of its Phase I project, Boston Micromachines Corp. received a $750,000 Phase II NASA SBIR contract to support NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration program. The company produces deformable mirrors (DM) based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

The Phase II contract will expand upon the results, increased device reliability, achieved in the first phase.

One of NASA’s core objectives is to search for Earth-sized planets outside of our solar system. DMs are a key component of space-based imaging because they correct residual aberrations that space telescope optics cannot address.

Under the new grant, the company will construct a 2048 actuator, a continuous facesheet MEMS DM with enhanced reliability to handle the harsh environments in which space-based imaging instruments operate.

“Boston Micromachine’s MEMS DMs have enabled great performance and operation in high-contrast imaging test beds,” said Paul Bierden, president and co-founder. “This new program will demonstrate the ability of our devices to operate reliably in unstable environments similar to those in space.”

For more information, visit: www.bostonmicromachines.com