Sapphire

> I think it is a great idea to vacuum deposit layers of Sapphire with
> layers of aluminum - that would allow you to get the great strength

I certainly think it's worth looking into. For all I know, sapphire
deposited in weightlessness might have all the wonderful engineering
properties of chocolate mochi, but let's find out.

> -- CONJECTURE:
> putting an outside layer of conductive aluminum might keep dust/dirt
> from building up just by charging the aluminum layers.

Now THAT had not occurred to me. And hey, if it gives you that tiny
little bit of savings on maintenance cost... maybe not so tiny.

> Might also be able to change to reflectivity to suit your needs.
> No need to wash the windows ever. Space dust would eventually
> erode any viewing surface but just deposit a fresh layer of
> aluminum (thin enough to be transparent) before it is fully eroded
> and problem goes away.

I have no idea if that would work or not. But again, let's find out.