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BMDO

p — 3/7/2002 1:42:53 PM (archived)

Adaptive optics was known but was an engineering impracticality. Then the Reagan era BMDO (Ballistic Missile Defense Org) christened as Star Wars by the "impartial" press developed adaptive optics technology to the point of practicality. After much of this work was declassified after some lobbying by scientists, ground based astronomy took off. Key technology advances were of course in low cost rapid computer processing and MEMs, tiny movable mirror elements. S&T magazine had some great articles on this history quite a while ago.

-p (BMDO also developed Clemintine & the X-33)

The whole thread (18 posts)

Spy satellites for astronomy. - Robert Clark - 3/6/2002 4:06:36 PM
- While it may be technically possible, ... - Larry J - 3/6/2002 4:18:20 PM
  - Re: While it may be technically possible, ... - Tom Brosz - 3/6/2002 4:57:07 PM
    - If I remember correctly, the book "Deep Black" - Larry J - 3/6/2002 5:12:57 PM
      - Keyhole 11 - RobVG - 3/6/2002 5:52:45 PM
        
        Exaggerations - Larry J - 3/6/2002 6:10:03 PM
        
        OK - RobVG - 3/6/2002 6:57:02 PM
        
        Re: OK - Larry J - 3/6/2002 8:13:43 PM
        
        Re: OK - RobVG - 3/6/2002 8:59:01 PM
        
        Not a problem - Larry J - 3/6/2002 1:03:55 PM
        
        Try a shot of wiskey and a spoonful of honey. - RobVG - 3/6/2002 2:29:11 PM
        
        Groom Lake - Tom Brosz - 3/6/2002 10:12:23 AM
        
        Re: Groom Lake - p - 3/6/2002 10:16:04 AM
        
        Area 51 satellite photos here - Neophyte - 3/6/2002 12:18:53 PM
        
        Oop! Didn't see the links at the bottom of the site Tom pointed to. Sorry for the repetition! (n/t) (n/t) - Neophyte - 3/6/2002 12:23:12 PM
        
        lol - R.L. - 3/6/2002 2:57:58 PM
- A question-Adaptive optics...just curious - R.L. - 3/6/2002 2:47:27 PM
  - BMDO - p - 3/7/2002 1:42:53 PM

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The whole thread (18 posts)