Glass Ceramic ZerodurR for Space Application

The zero expansion glass ceramic ZERODUR from SCHOTT is widely used for earth bound precision mirror and support structure applications. This presentation shows that it is also suited for space applications. Recent developments show that high light weighting degrees are possible saving mass to be launched and that such structures are strong enough to survive launch vibrations. A series of reference applications, where Zerodur has been and is being used (ROSAT, CHANDRA, Meteosat SEVIRI, Hubble Space telescope) demonstrate the high and long lasting performance of Zerodur components and thus continuously enlarges the space heritage of the material.