KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- An artist concept shows a thin-film membrane mirror, at right, in a folded configuration so it can fit aboard a rocket and then opened in space as shown at left. Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory's directed energy directorate here have produced a 1-meter-diameter (about 3.25-feet), optical-quality membrane mirror. Their goal is to produce a lightweight 10-meter membrane mirror, which could be used as part of a space-based telescope. (Courtesy graphic)