A&A Supplement series, Vol. 129, April I 1998, 173-175
Received January 16; accepted September 4, 1997
G. Vernois
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1 rue des Chalets, 78410 Velizy, France
We present the principle of a membranous mirror, free-floating at its edge and tied at its center. Its shape is controlled from a control surface, which is itself a membrane. This surface has autonomous integrated means for measuring, analysing and acting upon the mirror. We discuss the possibility of building gound-based or space telescopes using this concept.
keywords: telescopes -- space vehicles