Michael, Bill Kelley would rescue this project. No need to figure a large shallow mirror...just flex a big aluminized flat mirror. Of course, mechanical sag would probably swamp any intentional flex on something that large and that close to flat. Maybe an array of smaller mirrors would be better? And then we woke up! ;)
From: Michael Carnes <MichaelCarnes@earthlink.net>
Guy's idea about multiple mirrors is interesting, but it would sure take some mighty fine mirrors. Any of the ATM's on the list have an interest in grinding FLAT mirrors? Actually, slightly parabolized might be better, in order to reconverge the beam. Let's see, 20 miles with a six-foot mirror. That's a little over F/17000. Any takers?
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