Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is a one-quarter segment of the primary mirror used in laboratory testing of the Large Optics Demonstration Experiment (LODE). The Department of Defense in 1977 initiated R&D into a space-based chemical laser program (SBCL), whose main efforts included development of an Alpha laser and LODE. LODE was designed to demonstrate critical beam control and optics technology to sample the laser beam and correct distortions to produce a high-quality beam. Lockheed received the LODE contract and the newly-established Strategic Defense Initiative Organization assumed responsibility for the SBCL program in 1984.

Lockheed built a laboratory bench system called a "brassboard" for LODE, which included the primary mirror and associated hardware, and a diagnostic collimator (a device that narrowed the beam). It conducted several successful tests by 1990. However, with the end of the Cold War the justification for deployment of a complete defensive shield against a Soviet ballistic missile attack no longer existed and the SBCL was cancelled.

Lockheed built this artifact and Ray Bell donated it to the Museum in 2019.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Test Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
 Dimensions 3-D: 27.9 × 55.9cm, 39.5kg (11 in. × 1 ft. 10 in., 87lb.)
 Materials Non-Magnetic Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Plastic
Glass
Reflective Coating
Adhesive
Copper Wire
Solder
Adhesive Tape
 Inventory Number A20210197000 Credit Line Gift of Raymond and Carrie Bell Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.