Novi, A.A.NoviBasile, G.G.BasileCitterio, O.O.CitterioGhigo, M.M.GhigoCaso, A.A.CasoCattaneo, G.G.CattaneoSvelto, FrancescoFrancescoSvelto2021-06-082021-06-082001https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13025/6049By combining the excellent intrinsic thermo-mechanical properties of the silicon carbide (SiC) with a structural design based on a sandwich structure composed of two SiC face sheets deposited on a foam core of the same material, it is possible to manufacture very light and stiff mirrors for space applications. This paper presents some results of a technological development study, including the realisation of a lightweight athermalized SiC telescope with a 310 mm diameter foamed-SiC primary mirror. An Ion Beam Figuring equipment has been developed to improve the optical quality of the mirror. © 2001 SPIE · 0277-786X/01/$15.00.Foam core sandwich; Ion beam figuring; Lightweight mirror; Silicon carbide; Space opticsjournal article10.1117/12.447323https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/4444/1/Lightweight-SiC-foamed-mirrors-for-space-applications/10.1117/12.447323.short?SSO=1